Apple is reportedly planning to release AI-enhanced smart glasses by the end of 2026, positioning the device as a direct competitor to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company aims to produce a significant number of prototypes by the end of 2025 for testing before moving to mass production. The upcoming wearable device will be equipped with cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling real-world analysis and hands-free interaction through Siri. A source familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Apple’s offering will be “similar to the Meta product but better made.”

Apple’s Strategic Move into Wearable AI

This smart glasses initiative represents part of Apple’s broader push to develop “breakthrough AI products” as the company works to catch up with competitors in the artificial intelligence space. The tech giant is currently behind rivals in integrating AI functionality across its existing product lineup, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

The glasses are expected to support various practical features, including live translation, turn-by-turn navigation, music playback, and voice-controlled phone calls. These capabilities position the smart glasses as a potential new category of personal computing devices that Apple is investing in despite broader challenges in its AI infrastructure.

Technical Specifications and Development Timeline

Apple’s smart glasses will reportedly be powered by a dedicated in-house chip designed to enhance performance and AI responsiveness. The company has already begun preparing overseas suppliers for mass prototype production as it targets a large-scale rollout next year.

The internal codename for the glasses project has evolved from “N50” to “N401,” signaling Apple’s growing commitment to the wearable AI space. However, sources caution that the company’s plans remain subject to change, noting that previous wearable projects have been shelved in the past.

Competitive Landscape in Smart Eyewear

Apple’s entry into the smart glasses market comes amid increasing competition in the space. Meta has already established a presence with its Ray-Ban smart glasses, while companies like Google, Amazon, Snap, Samsung, Baidu, and Xiaomi are all developing similar products.

The timing of Apple’s planned release suggests the company is carefully positioning itself in what industry observers predict could be the next popular connected wearable category. PYMNTS reported in March that a new wave of next-generation smart glasses has emerged, driven primarily by advances in artificial intelligence.

Future Vision and Extended Roadmap

While the 2026 release will focus on AI-enhanced smart glasses similar to Meta’s Ray-Bans, Apple’s longer-term vision extends beyond this initial offering. According to Bloomberg, the company aims to eventually release glasses equipped with augmented reality capabilities, though this more advanced version is still years away from reaching consumers.

This staged approach aligns with Apple’s typical product development strategy, starting with a more focused device before expanding to more ambitious implementations. The smart glasses represent just one aspect of Apple’s expanding wearable ecosystem, which currently includes Apple Watch and AirPods.

Related Experimental Projects

Apple’s smart glasses development exists alongside other experimental initiatives within the company. Bloomberg reports that Apple had been working on adding cameras to its Apple Watch smartwatches and AirPods earbuds to enable these devices to gather more information from their surroundings.

Interestingly, the company reportedly shut down work on camera-equipped smartwatches this week while continuing development on the earbud project. These shifting priorities highlight Apple’s evolving strategy as it determines which AI-enhanced wearables offer the most promising consumer applications.