Apple to Take on Meta with Smart Glasses by 2027

In the latest tech rumour mill, Apple could be gearing up to drop smart glasses as early as 2027. If you’ve been tracking Apple’s moves, you know their Vision Pro headset is already creating waves, but it’s also bulky and comes with a hefty price tag. So, what’s next? Smart glasses that are lightweight, powerful, and more accessible.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s Vision Products Group is working on several devices, including the second-gen Vision Pro, an affordable Vision Pro variant, and these rumoured smart glasses. The idea behind Apple’s upcoming glasses is similar to Ray-Ban’s Meta Smart Glasses, which means they could blend augmented reality (AR) features with a sleek, everyday wearable design. Although the details are still under wraps, we’re likely looking at tech that merges seamlessly with daily life—think scanning your environment and delivering helpful data without the bulk of a traditional headset.

Apple’s Smart Glasses: Features We Might See

When it comes to Apple, innovation is always on the table. These smart glasses will likely incorporate some tech from the Vision Pro, possibly featuring spatial awareness to enhance AR experiences. Imagine walking down the street, and your glasses pull up navigation prompts or give you a weather update in real-time—no need to pull out your phone. These glasses could also integrate smoothly with your other Apple devices like the iPhone, Apple Watch, and even AirPods, offering a completely connected ecosystem.

Speaking of AirPods, Apple is rumoured to be working on AirPods with cameras. Yes, you read that right—camera-equipped AirPods designed to give users new spatial audio experiences. These would likely pair with the smart glasses to create immersive audio-visual experiences.

Competition Heats Up: Apple vs. Meta

Apple’s jump into the smart glasses market might be a direct response to Meta, which has been steadily developing its own lineup of smart wearables. Meta recently launched an updated version of its Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, and they’ve been working on their Orion smart glasses. Both brands seem to be racing to create the ultimate, lightweight wearable that blends the digital world with everyday experiences.

Meta’s smart glasses focus heavily on social media integration and basic AR, while Apple’s offering will likely prioritize privacy, user experience, and seamless device integration. With Meta’s Quest headsets already making strides in the gaming world, Apple’s glasses could be designed to reach a broader audience, including professionals and casual users who want the benefits of AR without strapping on a bulky headset.

Why 2027?

Apple is known for playing the long game when it comes to hardware launches, and 2027 feels like the right window for smart glasses. By then, the tech infrastructure—like 5G, machine learning advancements, and cloud computing—will be far more developed. Plus, Apple would have time to refine its product in response to consumer feedback on the Vision Pro and other wearable devices.

It’s also possible that Apple is looking to wait for the perfect moment in terms of market competition. By 2027, Meta’s products will have had a few years to either thrive or flop, giving Apple a clear direction on how to position its glasses. And with improvements in battery technology and materials, the glasses will likely be far more comfortable and long-lasting than current wearables.

The Future of Everyday Tech?

If all goes according to plan, these smart glasses could revolutionize how we interact with our surroundings. Just think—no more fumbling with your phone for directions, text messages, or social updates. Everything could be right there in your line of sight, and with Apple’s reputation for privacy, these smart glasses will likely be designed with security in mind.

One thing is for sure: Apple has its sights set on AR, and these smart glasses could be the next step toward making AR a part of everyday life. With competition heating up and both Apple and Meta vying for dominance in this space, we’re in for some exciting tech developments in the coming years.