Apple to launch smart glasses in 2026 as part of AI push, drops plans for camera-equipped smartwatch

Apple is moving full steam ahead with plans to release its long-rumored smart glasses by the end of 2026. It’s the company’s latest move to broaden its hardware lineup and build out its AI ecosystem.

According to a new report from Bloomberg, engineers are racing to meet the deadline, and mass production of prototypes is set to begin later this year in partnership with overseas manufacturers. The product, in development for nearly a decade, is finally entering the late stages as Apple tries to avoid delays that could push it into 2027.

“Apple Inc. is aiming to release smart glasses at the end of next year as part of a push into AI-enhanced gadgets, but it has shelved plans for a smartwatch that can analyze its surroundings with a built-in camera,” Bloomberg reported

Apple Smart Glasses Release Date

The glasses are expected to compete directly with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have gained momentum in the consumer market. The product, in development for nearly a decade, is finally entering the late stages as Apple tries to avoid delays that could push it into 2027.

“Company engineers are ramping up work on the glasses — a rival to Meta Platforms Inc.’s popular Ray-Bans — in a bid to meet the year-end 2026 target, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Apple will start producing large quantities of prototypes at the end of this year with overseas suppliers, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the products haven’t been announced.”

A More Practical Play Than Vision Pro

Apple’s push into smart eyewear looks like a clear pivot from the Vision Pro, which launched in 2024 but struggled to gain traction beyond early adopters. Its high price and limited everyday use made it more of a niche experiment than a mainstream hit.

This time, Apple is targeting a broader audience. The new glasses will be lightweight, resemble traditional eyewear, and offer practical AI features like voice calls, music playback, video capture, navigation, and live translation—all powered by an upgraded Siri.

Internally, the product is seen as a direct response to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. One Apple employee told Bloomberg the goal is to match that functionality while delivering a more polished design and better build quality.

What the Glasses Will Do

Apple is expected to include cameras, speakers, and microphones in the glasses. Think: hands-free calling, music playback, photo and video capture, directions, and real-time translations. The device will heavily rely on Siri, which is set to get a major upgrade by the time the glasses hit the market.

These features will be part of Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI suite that enables context-aware actions. By capturing information from your environment, the glasses could offer live suggestions, better voice interaction, and smarter notifications.

Meta’s Lead—and Apple’s Catch-Up Plan

Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, made with EssilorLuxottica, have already sold over a million units. Google is working with Warby Parker, Samsung, and Xreal to bring its own smart glasses to life using Android XR. Apple’s entry isn’t just about matching competitors—it’s about not getting left behind.

CEO Tim Cook is reportedly prioritizing the project internally to make sure Apple gets it right—and fast.

The Tech Inside

At the center of the device is a custom chip, built on Apple Watch silicon. It’s designed to manage multiple cameras and sensors without draining battery life. Production of the chip is expected to ramp up in late 2026, with TSMC likely handling the job.

Interestingly, Apple has decided to cancel its plans for a new Apple Watch with a built-in camera. That project, once slated for 2027, has been shut down, with resources redirected to the smart glasses.

Integration, Not Isolation

The glasses are expected to work closely with the iPhone, offloading some processing tasks to reduce the size and weight of the device. That integration also gives Apple an edge—users will likely be able to pick up where they left off across devices, from glasses to Mac to iPad.

Internally, the smart glasses are codenamed N401, and leadership sees the project as a top priority. They’re betting that tighter ecosystem integration, better build quality, and a less invasive approach to data will help the glasses stand out in a crowded field.

High Expectations, Higher Pressure

Apple still faces pressure on the software front. Internally, some engineers are worried that the company’s AI capabilities aren’t keeping pace with rivals like Google and OpenAI. If that gap isn’t closed soon, the glasses risk feeling like a gimmick instead of a breakthrough.

Privacy will be another key issue. With Meta frequently under scrutiny for its data practices, Apple has an opening to position itself as the safer, more privacy-conscious option—assuming it’s upfront about what the glasses record and when.

If the company gets it right, the smart glasses could mark a new chapter for Apple wearables—perhaps even rising to the level of the Apple Watch. But there’s little room for error, and the countdown to 2026 is already ticking.