According to a new Bloomberg report, Apple may be gearing up to launch its first pair of smart glasses in 2026. These glasses are expected to have cameras, microphones, and speakers built in, letting users interact with the world around them and use Siri, Apple’s voice assistant.
The new device is set to handle a wide range of tasks. You can take phone calls, listen to music, follow directions, and get real-time translations. Apple is also working on its chip for the glasses, but full augmented reality (AR) features might still be some years away.
This news comes shortly after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that his company has acquired “io,” a hardware design startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive. Altman and Ive plan to release an AI-powered device next year. Early rumours suggest their creation could be a screen-free device equipped with cameras and microphones—possibly another take on smart glasses.
What you can expect from Apple’s smart glasses
Apple’s first smart glasses are said to be similar in design to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, but a source told Bloomberg they will be “better made.” Meta’s smart glasses have already proven popular, selling over one million units last year.
Apple’s glasses are expected to be more than just a fashion accessory. With built-in cameras and microphones, you’ll be able to take photos, talk on the phone, and interact with Siri without needing to use your hands. You can imagine listening to music, asking for directions, or even translating a foreign language while walking down the street.
Although these glasses will not initially offer full AR functions, their ability to connect to Siri and other Apple services suggests a strong link to Apple’s wider product ecosystem. This could make them very useful for iPhone and AirPods users who want even more ways to stay connected.
Apple drops smart AI watch but still has big plans
While work on the glasses moves forward, Apple has reportedly stopped developing a new smartwatch meant to include AI features and cameras. According to Bloomberg, this device, which was rumoured to use a feature called “Visual Intelligence,” is no longer in development.
However, Apple is still interested in bringing camera technology to wearables. The company is said to be working on new AirPods with built-in cameras, suggesting that It is still focused on blending AI and wearable tech in new and interesting ways.
Elsewhere in the industry, Google is also developing its own smart glasses. The tech giant is partnering with brands like Xreal, Warby Parker, Samsung, and Gentle Monster to create AI-powered glasses for its Android XR platform.
With so many companies racing to combine AI and wearable tech, 2026 could be a big year for smart glasses. Apple’s upcoming release may just set a new standard for what these devices can do—and how stylish they can be while doing it.
