Apple is adjusting its strategy for wearable technology, concentrating on smart glasses while putting plans for a lighter version of its Vision Pro headset on hold. A recent report from Bloomberg indicates that Apple is expediting the development of two types of smart glasses aimed at competing with Meta’s well-known products. The company is said to be working on at least two models: one model without a display and another with a display, akin to Meta’s Ray-Ban Display glasses. The no-display version could launch as soon as next year, with an official release expected in 2027. The display-equipped glasses, which were initially projected for 2028, are now experiencing accelerated development as Apple strives to catch up with its competitors.
Similar to Meta’s partnerships with Ray-Ban and Oakley, Apple’s forthcoming glasses are anticipated to include speakers, cameras, and various style options. They will also “heavily rely on voice interaction and artificial intelligence,” according to Bloomberg, indicating that Apple aims to create a device that integrates smoothly into daily life, leveraging its expertise in voice-driven experiences through Siri and enhanced AI capabilities. The display-enabled glasses could position Apple as a direct competitor to Meta’s Ray-Ban Display glasses, featuring a small screen embedded in the right lens. Additionally, Apple is reportedly developing a custom chip specifically for these glasses, mirroring its approach with iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this strategic shift, Apple will enter the smart glasses arena later than its main rival. Meta has already made considerable advancements with several releases in recent months, including the second-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses with improved battery life, a new sports-oriented Oakley model for athletes launching this month, and the Ray-Ban Display glasses, which reviewers have praised as some of the most impressive smart glasses available. Apple’s shift comes at the expense of delaying its lighter Vision Pro headset, which had been expected in 2027. Bloomberg reports that Apple has redirected staff from the headset initiative to concentrate more on the glasses. Meanwhile, the company has reportedly reduced production of the first-generation Vision Pro.
However, this does not mean the Vision Pro is being abandoned. Recent regulatory filings have shown that Apple is preparing an updated version of the headset. Bloomberg describes this update as a “modest refresh,” potentially available “as early as the end of this year.” Although not a substantial redesign, this signals Apple’s ongoing commitment to its mixed-reality hardware even as smart glasses take precedence. For Apple, this decision highlights a broader strategic shift towards devices that can integrate more seamlessly into everyday life than bulky headsets. With Meta aggressively advancing in this space, Apple’s glasses could represent the company’s most significant wearable launch since the Apple Watch.
The impact of this delay on Apple’s standing in this expanding market remains uncertain.