Apple Smart Glasses: Everything We Know About Apple's Response to Meta Ray-Bans

Apple is working on creating smart glasses that can compete with popular Ray-Ban models equipped with artificial intelligence from Meta. Rumors about this project are growing, and we have gathered all available information in this review. While discussions about augmented reality glasses are ongoing, truly lightweight devices with such functionality remain in the future.

Currently, the company is developing a set of smart glasses without a display, which use cameras, speakers, sensors, and artificial intelligence to provide useful features. The first models will serve as accessories for the iPhone, similar to the Apple Watch or AirPods, and will be able to perform additional functions, reducing dependence on the smartphone. The glasses are expected to be available in various materials and styles, with metal and plastic frames, as well as in different colors.

Apple is likely testing 3D printing technologies for manufacturing the frames. Touch controls are anticipated, such as tapping to take photos and voice control. With such glasses, users will be able to take pictures, record videos, including spatial video, listen to music, receive navigation directions, answer questions, and get descriptions of their surroundings. They will also be able to identify plants, animals, and landmarks, make phone calls, perform live translation, and integrate with the "Find My" feature.

For full functionality, these glasses will likely require a connection to an iPhone, although some features will be available without it. Apple is working on its own chip for these devices, based on technology used in the Apple Watch. The cameras in the smart glasses will transmit information to an AI assistant, which will be able to answer questions based on what the user sees, similar to the Visual Intelligence features on the iPhone.

As for the price, the exact cost is currently unknown, but it is likely to be in the range between the price of AirPods and Apple Watch. Major competitors will be Meta Ray-Ban and Meta Oakley, which have already gained popularity through collaborations with well-known eyewear manufacturers.

According to Bloomberg estimates, Apple may unveil its smart glasses as early as 2026, however, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that this will not happen before 2027. The first models will not have augmented reality features, but over time, a version with a display that overlays digital information directly onto the real world will be released. Nevertheless, augmented reality technology remains a long-term goal for Apple and is actively being developed by the company.