Apple may finally be ready to launch its long-anticipated smart glasses, alongside AirPods equipped with cameras, by 2027. According to recent reports, the Vision Project Group—Apple's internal team developing headset products like the Apple Vision Pro—is working towards releasing these futuristic devices in the next few years. The news, shared in a Bloomberg newsletter, claims that smart glasses are being targeted for a 2027 launch.
Apple’s rumored smart glasses, often referred to as "Apple Glass," have been a topic of speculation for years. While many believed the technology was still years away due to various constraints, this latest report suggests that the technological hurdles are being overcome. Similar in concept to Meta's Ray-Ban Stories, Apple’s glasses are expected to combine fashion with advanced computing, potentially integrating features such as augmented reality (AR) overlays and environmental data collection.
These smart glasses would follow in the footsteps of the Apple Vision Pro, which is seen as the first step toward more accessible head-mounted displays. However, Apple's ultimate vision goes beyond the Vision Pro, with the glasses likely representing a more everyday wearable device for consumers, rather than a full-fledged mixed-reality headset.
In addition to the glasses, Apple is reportedly planning to launch a new version of AirPods featuring built-in cameras. This may seem like a surprising addition to the AirPods line, but the concept has been circulating for some time. These AirPods could include infrared (IR) cameras, enabling them to detect and interact with their surroundings. This feature would likely enhance spatial audio experiences, making the sound more immersive by adjusting it to the listener’s environment.
Apple has been investing heavily in visual intelligence technology, and these new devices could be a way to leverage that investment. The Vision Pro already uses advanced sensors to scan the environment, creating an immersive experience by collecting and analyzing data. If smart glasses and AirPods with cameras follow suit, they could push Apple’s wearable technology to a whole new level, integrating everyday tasks with AR, enhanced audio, and real-world interaction.
Some of this technology may have origins in Apple's other projects, such as its long-standing Apple Car initiative, which also involves object detection for self-driving capabilities. By bringing these features into its broader product lineup, Apple is positioning itself to revolutionize spatial computing.
While Apple is keeping its plans under wraps, the rumored timeline of 2027 gives the tech giant several years to refine these products before they reach consumers. If the rumors hold true, these devices could be the next step in Apple's mission to integrate digital experiences seamlessly into the physical world.
