Apple is accelerating the development of smart glasses designed to compete with similar products from Meta while placing plans for a slimmer Vision Pro headset on hold, according to a report from Bloomberg. The tech giant is reportedly exploring at least two models: one without a display that could be revealed next year, with a launch anticipated in 2027, and another model featuring a display which was initially scheduled for 2028 but is now set for expedited development.
Similar to Meta’s smart glasses developed in collaboration with Ray-Ban and Oakley, Apple’s forthcoming glasses will integrate speakers and cameras, be available in various designs, and will emphasize voice interaction and artificial intelligence, per the Bloomberg report. The model equipped with a display has the potential to rival the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, which feature a display in the right lens. Additionally, Apple is in the process of creating a custom chip tailored for these smart glasses, as noted in previous reports by Bloomberg.
Apple is entering a competitive market, with Meta recently announcing a series of new offerings, including a second-generation version of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses that boast enhanced battery life, which are now available for purchase. They also plan to launch a new pair of Oakley-branded glasses tailored for athletes this month, alongside the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, which have garnered high praise from reviewers.
In addition to the smart glasses, plans for a lighter version of the Vision Pro headset have been scaled back. Initially expected to debut in 2027, Apple management has shifted personnel to focus on the glasses instead. Although production of the original Vision Pro is reportedly being limited, recent regulatory filings have indicated that an updated version is under development, described by Bloomberg as a “modest refresh” that could potentially launch by the end of this year.
