Apple's Smart Glasses Set for Market Launch in Late 2026

Apple is reportedly advancing its efforts in the development of smart glasses, with plans to launch a product known internally as N401 by the end of 2026, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. The tech giant aims to produce a significant number of prototypes this year, which are expected to feature integrated cameras, microphones, and speakers.

While Apple has a long-term vision of creating a standard pair of glasses capable of displaying content directly within the user's field of vision, the initial version slated for release in late 2026 will not include this functionality. Instead, it will resemble the already available Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, but with enhancements that are expected to improve user experience.

The Ray-Ban models currently on the market contain similar technology, featuring cameras and microphones, but lack the capability to display information. These glasses connect to smartphones to enable functionalities such as music playback, dictating messages via WhatsApp, and interacting with Meta's AI models. The popularity of the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses has reportedly led to plans by manufacturer EssilorLuxottica to ramp up production.

Internally, Apple faces challenges with its voice assistant, Siri, which has been criticized for its limited conversational abilities and occasional failures in executing simple voice commands. These issues could hinder the seamless interaction expected from a smart glasses device. Although Apple has introduced a feature called 'visual intelligence' for its iPhone, which could be adapted for smart glasses, its current functionality remains quite limited.

The market for smart glasses is becoming increasingly competitive, with Google also making strides in this arena through its Android XR initiative. Recently, Google has announced partnerships with hardware manufacturers and eyewear companies to develop new products. The anticipated launch of Apple's smart glasses in late 2026 might coincide with the introduction of the first hardware from OpenAI, which is being developed by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive along with a team of ex-Apple designers and interface specialists. However, this new device is not expected to be a pair of glasses or a wearable item.

In related news, Apple has reportedly halted development on another AI-related project: a smartwatch featuring an integrated camera. However, the company is continuing its work on AirPods that may include camera technology.