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Apple is gearing up for a bold move into the smart wearable market with the planned release of AI-powered smart glasses in late 2026. As the company intensifies efforts to redefine its product landscape, it has paused other AI-related initiatives, such as a camera-equipped Apple Watch, to focus resources on this new frontier. Hereās a full breakdown of what Appleās latest venture means, the industry context, and what might be coming next.
Apple Prepares for the Smart Glasses Era
Apple is diving into the next wave of tech innovation by preparing to launch smart glasses by the end of 2026. This marks a major step for the company as it seeks to claim a place in the rapidly expanding market of AI-integrated consumer gadgets. These glasses, internally known as project N401, are envisioned to rival Metaās Ray-Ban smart eyewear, which has gained significant traction among users.
Production of prototype units is set to begin in late 2025, with Apple leveraging its overseas suppliers to ramp up readiness. The smart glasses are expected to come equipped with cameras, microphones, and speakers, allowing seamless interaction through Siri. Users will likely be able to take calls, play music, navigate with live directions, and even access real-time translations.
This strategic move comes as competitors such as Meta, Google, and even OpenAIāwith former Apple design chief Jony Iveāforge ahead with hardware rooted in generative AI. Meanwhile, Apple is also working on a dedicated chip specifically for the glasses and may begin mass production of this chip next year.
However, the journey hasnāt been without detours. Apple recently scrapped plans for a smartwatch and Apple Watch Ultra with built-in cameras, citing technical and strategic hurdles. Yet, the company is still exploring AirPods embedded with visual sensors.
At the same time, Apple is striving to enhance its AI credibility. Its Apple Intelligence platform has lagged behind rivals, but a renewed push is underway, including opening its large language models to third-party developers. This could unlock a new generation of AI-powered apps on the App Store.
In parallel, Apple aims to release its first foldable iPhone in 2026 and introduce redesigned hardware in 2027. Still, insiders express concern that Appleās AI development struggles might compromise the success of the smart glasses, especially given the competition’s strong platforms like Metaās Llama and Googleās Gemini.
The Vision Products Group, known for developing the Vision Pro headset, is leading the smart glasses effort. They are also working on updated versions of the Vision Pro, including lighter models and variants that can connect directly to Macs.
What Undercode Say:
Appleās push into AI-powered smart glasses reveals not just a product launch, but a strategic pivot amid rising competitive pressure in the tech industry. The company, once synonymous with innovation, now finds itself catching up in categories where others have taken the leadāparticularly in AI.
By focusing on smart glasses, Apple is chasing a vision of a more immersive and intelligent wearable experience, one that moves beyond watches and earbuds into the realm of real-time augmented reality. The timing couldnāt be more critical. AI is transforming how users interact with devices, and wearable tech is rapidly becoming the next battlefront.
Metaās early success with Ray-Ban smart glasses, coupled with strong AI foundations like Llama, gives it a first-mover advantage. Google’s Gemini-powered wearables add to the pressure. Apple, while a latecomer, still has a powerful ecosystem, strong brand loyalty, and top-tier hardware expertise. These factors could help it gain groundāif it gets the software and user experience right.
The decision to cancel camera-equipped Apple Watches may be a sign of strategic clarity rather than failure. Concentrating efforts on a flagship AI product could help Apple deliver something truly distinctive. Still, concerns about lagging AI performance are valid. Appleās current reliance on external platforms like OpenAI and Google Lens shows just how far it needs to go to create a truly autonomous AI experience.
If Apple succeeds, the smart glasses could usher in a new era of contextual computingāwhere users receive intelligent, on-the-spot information with minimal device interaction. It could also revitalize Siri, Appleās long-stagnant virtual assistant.
The introduction of a dedicated chip signals Appleās classic playbook: tightly integrated hardware and software for optimal performance. However, this also means the pressure is high to deliver a seamless experience, one that wonāt be forgiven for lag or bugs.
As development continues, the tech world will be watching closely. Apple doesnāt enter a new category lightly. Its smart glasses arenāt just another gadgetātheyāre a bet on the future of human-computer interaction. The outcome may redefine Appleās position in the AI age.
Fact Checker Results:
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Apple has indeed shelved plans for a camera-enabled Apple Watch, refocusing on smart glasses.
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The glasses are planned for a 2026 release, with prototype production beginning in late 2025.
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Apple is developing a dedicated chip for these glasses, following its usual strategy of custom silicon.
Prediction:
If Apple can close the AI performance gap and deliver intuitive user experiences, its smart glasses could become a category-defining product. Expect a premium launch in 2026, possibly accompanied by ecosystem-wide upgrades. But Appleās success will hinge not just on hardware excellenceāit must also reinvent Siri and match or surpass competitorsā AI capabilities. The real race has just begun.
References:
Reported By: www.deccanchronicle.com
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