Apple’s long-anticipated smart glasses may hit the market as early as Christmas 2026. A new Bloomberg report suggests the company has accelerated development, aiming to beat competitors like Meta with a sleek, AR-powered wearable called “Apple Glass.”
This timeline marks a shift from earlier predictions, which placed the release closer to 2030. With chip development underway and a renewed internal focus, Apple now hopes to launch the product by late 2026 or early 2027.
A Focus on Design and Function
Internally code-named N401, the glasses are expected to merge fashionable design with cutting-edge technology. Inspired by Ray-Ban styles, Apple wants the glasses to appear stylish and subtle, similar to how the Apple Watch blends tech with everyday wear.
While Apple has already entered the mixed reality space with Vision Pro, these glasses are expected to offer a lighter, more mobile experience. Rather than projecting full AR environments, the device may focus on overlaying useful data directly onto the user’s real-world view.
Technical Hurdles and Solutions
Miniaturization remains one of the biggest challenges. Apple is reportedly exploring ways to offload processing tasks to nearby iPhones, using them as companion devices. This approach could help reduce the size and weight of the glasses while still enabling high-performance AR functions.
To support this, Apple is also developing custom silicon specifically designed for the glasses. These chips would handle core tasks like tracking, graphics rendering, and wireless communication.
Competitive Pressure from Meta
Apple isn’t alone in the smart glasses race. Meta has already launched popular Ray-Ban smart glasses focused on photography and basic AI tools. However, Apple wants to offer a more immersive experience—something closer to augmented reality than simple utility.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly made the Apple Glass project a top priority, signaling the company’s commitment to leading in the next wave of wearable tech.
