Apple Developing Display-Free Smart Glasses as AI Wearable

Apple is developing display-free smart glasses as an AI wearable device, with plans to unveil the product in late 2026 and launch sales in 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The company is testing four different frame designs including rectangular and oval options inspired by CEO Tim Cook's personal style, with color choices including black, ocean blue, and light brown. The glasses will enable users to take photos and videos, answer calls, play music, and interact with an upgraded Siri, but will not include any displays. This strategic pivot follows Apple Vision Pro's lackluster reception and represents a shift toward simpler wearables similar to Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, after Apple's ambitious mixed and augmented reality plans experienced significant delays.

Apple's Smart Glasses Product Strategy and Timeline

• ▪Apple plans to sell its first smart glasses in 2027
• ▪Apple may unveil its smart glasses at the end of 2026
• ▪Apple is testing four different smart glasses designs
• ▪Apple could launch with some or all of the four smart glasses designs being tested

Design Specifications and Features

• ▪Apple's smart glasses will allow users to play music
• ▪Apple's smart glasses designs include a slimmer rectangular frame similar to the glasses worn by CEO Tim Cook
• ▪Apple's smart glasses will allow users to take photos and videos
• ▪Apple's smart glasses will allow users to answer phone calls
• ▪Apple's smart glasses designs include a large rectangular frame option
• ▪Apple's smart glasses designs include a larger oval or circular frame option
• ▪Apple's smart glasses will allow users to interact with an upgraded version of Siri
• ▪Apple is considering black, ocean blue, and light brown colors for its smart glasses

Shift from Ambitious AR/VR Plans

• ▪Apple's display-free smart glasses are similar to Meta's Ray-Ban glasses
• ▪Apple once had an ambitious plan to launch a variety of mixed and augmented reality devices
• ▪Apple's mixed and augmented reality device plan experienced product delays

Perspective of Apple

• ▪Apple's smart glasses will feature an upgraded version of Siri as a central interaction method

Perspective of Meta

• ▪Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses serve as a competitive benchmark for Apple's display-free smart glasses design

Perspective of Industry analysts

• ▪Apple's shift to display-free smart glasses reflects lessons learned from Apple Vision Pro's lackluster market reception
• ▪Apple's 2027 smart glasses launch timeline suggests the company is taking a measured approach after previous product delays