Apple plans to release its own smart glasses — the so-called “Apple Glasses” in late 2027, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest “Power On” newsletter.
That’s later than previously anticipated. Gurman has previously said they would arrive early next year. However, there have been development issues.
“There have been some bumps on the road to Apple becoming an eyewear giant. It had initially planned to introduce its smart glasses, code-named N50, at the end of 2026 and ship them by early 2027,” Gurman said. “But as is often the case with major new Apple products, there have been delays. The company is now working toward launching the glasses at the end of next year, I’m told.”
Whenever they arrive, the Apple Glasses will serve as the debut for a series of follow-up devices.
“The first Apple glasses will use design elements to stand out, with oval-shaped cameras, unique colors and multiple frame styles,” Gurman writes. “Over time, Apple believes the glasses could evolve into a health device and eventually incorporate augmented reality technologies capable of improving how people see.”
He adds that the Apple Glasses are a top priority for Tim Cook before he turns CEO duties over to John Ternus in September. Apparently the current CEO wants the smart glasses to overcome the biggest hurdle to the Vision Pro: a super-high price tag. Gurman thinks plans for the Apple Glasses are to be priced in the US$200-$500 range (though the Sellers Research Group — that’s me — is a bit skeptical this will happen.)
Gurman says the Apple Glasses will feature “oval-shaped cameras, unique colors, and multiple frame styles. Like the Meta Ray-Bans, they’ll sport built-in cameras so users can capture photos and videos. They’ll also pack speakers and microphones for music, phone calls, and notifications announced by Siri, he said.
Gurman says Apple is designing its own plastic frames, with the company allegedly testing at least four potential designs:
- A larger rectangular frame, similar to Ray-Ban’s Wayfarers
- A slimmer rectangular design, similar to the glasses worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook
- Larger oval or circular frames
- Smaller oval or circular frames
What’s more, Apple is exploring a range of color options, including black, ocean blue, and light brown, and the glasses may have vertically-oriented oval camera lenses, according to Gurman.
There’s no word on whether we might get a taste of Apple Glasses at this year’s Worldwide Developer Conference, which will kick off on Monday, June 8. Open to all developers at no cost, it will be online as it has been for years and run through Friday, June 12.
WWDC kicks off with the Keynote and Platforms State of the Union on Monday, June 8. The conference will take place on the Apple Developer app, website, and YouTube channel; and on the Apple Developer bilibili channel in China.
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