Move over Meta: Apple smart glasses are coming

In a new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has three wearable devices in the works that could establish Apple as a leader in AI hardware. Apple is “ramping up work” on Apple Smart Glasses, a pendant, and AirPods with IR cameras. The three devices will not be stand-alone products and will require an iPhone connection.

Apple smart glasses

Smart glasses appear to be the priority for Apple—don’t expect Apple glasses to be an augmented reality version of its Vision Pro headset. These glasses will be more like the Meta AI glasses, with a high-resolution camera capturing photos and video. The UI will depend on speakers, microphones, and a separate camera dedicated to “give the device environmental context.” Users will be able to make phone calls, use Siri, play music, and shoot photos. Also, the user will be able to “take actions based on surroundings.”

Gurman reports that Apple hopes its camera technology will separate it from Meta’s glasses. Apple is working on advanced features, such as the ability for the glasses to recognize text and convert it digitally, and the ability to create context-aware reminders, such as a prompt to tell you to pick up an item you are looking at that’s on your shopping list while in a grocery store. For navigational directions, Siri could provide landmarks instead of generic instructions.

Apple also thinks it can offer superior build quality that differentiates it from Meta. The glasses will use “high-end materials, including acrylic elements intended to give the glasses a premium feel.” Different styles could be offered as the product matures over time. Apple had looked into partnering with a glasses maker, but decided against it.

Gurman stated that Apple made “significant progress” in the development of the glasses, and it could be ready for production by the end of the year, with a public release in early 2027.

Apple AI pendant

Apple is also working on an AI pendant, which Gurman reports as being positioned as an alternative to glasses. The pendant brings comparisons to the failed Humane AI Pin, but Apple’s device is mainly an iPhone accessory.

Gurman said that Apple employees call it the “eyes and ears” of the iPhone. It would be the size of an AirTag and have an always-on camera and a microphone. Apple has not decided on including a speaker. Unlike the Humane AI Pin, it does not have a projector.

The pendant could be worn by using a clip to attach it to clothing or as a necklace. The product is in early development stages and could be canceled at any time.

AirPods with cameras

The AirPods with IR cameras have been rumored for some time, but based on Gurman’s report, they could become a reality soon. The cameras would allow for simple environmental imaging that could be used as a way to enhance the AirPod’s interface by supporting air gestures. Gurman did not state when the new AirPods would be ready.

Gurman’s report follows an announcement by Apple of an “experience” event on March 4. The company is expected to release its low-cost MacBook, powered by an iPhone chip. Apple is also expected to release the iPhone 17e, iPad Air, entry-level iPad, M5 MacBook Air, and M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro in the near future, if not at the event.