Move over Meta: Apple’s smart glasses are coming

In a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has three wearable devices in the works that could establish Apple as the leader in AI hardware. Apple is “accelerating work” on smart glasses, a pendant and AirPods with IR cameras. These three devices will not be standalone products and will require an iPhone connection.

Apple smart glasses

Smart glasses seem to be a priority for Apple — don’t expect Apple’s glasses to be an augmented reality version of its Vision Pro headset. These glasses will be more like Meta AI glasses with a high definition camera that will capture photos and video. The user interface will rely on speakers, microphones and a separate camera designed to “provide environmental context to the device”. Users will be able to make phone calls, use Siri, play music and take photos. The user will also be able to “take actions based on surroundings”.

Gurman reports that Apple hopes its camera technology will separate it from the Meta glasses. Apple is working on advanced features such as the ability for the glasses to recognize text and translate it digitally, and the ability to create contextual reminders, such as prompting you to pick up an item you’re looking at that’s on your shopping list at the grocery store. For navigation directions, Siri could provide landmarks instead of general directions.

Apple also thinks it can offer superior build quality that sets it apart from the Meta. The glasses will use “high-end materials, including acrylic elements to give the glasses a premium feel.” As the product matures over time, different styles may be offered. Apple considered a partnership with the glasses maker, but decided against it.

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

Apple AI during

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

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

The pendant can be worn with a clip to attach to clothing or as a necklace. The product is in the early stages of development and may be canceled at any time.

AirPods with cameras

AirPods with IR cameras have been rumored for a while, but based on Gurman’s report, they could soon become a reality. The cameras would allow for simple viewing of the environment, which could be used as a way to improve the AirPod interface by supporting air gestures. Gurman did not say when the new AirPods will be ready.

Gurman’s report follows Apple’s announcement of an “experiential” 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.