Apple is making progress in developing its first smart glasses , a project slated for a 2026 unveiling and later release. The first iteration will forgo an augmented reality display , opting for a simpler, lighter design to serve as an entry point into this category.
According to reports from Bloomberg and other sources, the company has reordered priorities to accelerate this product, aiming to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban sunglasses . The strategy involves combining everyday tasks, cameras, and Apple Intelligence , powered by a proprietary 2nm chip manufactured by TSMC to keep weight and heat under control.
What is expected from the first model
This first generation will not have an integrated screen . It will be designed to answer calls, take photos, receive notifications, and start recordings using touch and voice controls. The focus is on Siri and computer vision capabilities (Visual Intelligence) to recognize objects, places, or plants, in addition to offering features such as real-time translation and audio-guided navigation.
Connectivity with the iPhone will be key initially: some of the heavy processing will be handled by the phone to keep the glasses thinner and more comfortable. There will be a visible LED or indicator to warn when the camera is active, a measure designed to enhance privacy in public spaces.
The photo and video capture features would include simple controls, with the ability to record clips and "spatial video" content. Voice messaging, alert management, and playback of music, podcasts, and audiobooks from speakers in the temples are also planned , eliminating the need to wear headphones all the time.
The revamped assistant will need to understand the context of what the cameras capture and respond quickly. This leap in Siri 's quality , planned by Apple for its major update in 2026, is the key to making this format truly useful without requiring a screen in front of the user's eyes.
Design, materials and lenses
Design will play a crucial role: Apple is aiming for an accessory that resembles ordinary glasses, with frames made of various materials (metal and high-quality plastics), and available in a range of colors and styles. They are working to integrate the battery, processor, cameras, microphones, and sensors into discreet temples that offer a comfortable fit for extended wear.
The company has reportedly explored processes like 3D printing to streamline customization and control costs, an approach it has already tested with other products. The idea is to offer variations that fit very different contexts, from everyday life to outdoor activities, without a conspicuous technological appearance.
As for the lenses, standard and sunglasses options are expected , with prescription support through optical partners like the one Apple uses for Vision Pro . Prescription lens compatibility will be essential for the glasses to be worn all day without compromise.
Ergonomics and weight distribution are another key aspect. Keeping the center of gravity close to the frame, preventing overheating, and ensuring reasonable battery life are priorities so that the experience doesn't feel any more cumbersome than conventional glasses.
Hardware and efficiency: the role of the chip
The plans call for TSMC to partner with them to manufacture a 2nm chip , which would allow for a combination of very low power and low power consumption. The goal is to approach the performance of an iPhone in key tasks without generating excessive heat and with minimal weight.
There's talk of a custom-built SoC, similar in design to those in the Apple Watch , that would handle local tasks and delegate more resource-intensive ones to the iPhone. This hybrid architecture would keep battery life and size reasonable while enabling AI and audio features without annoying latency.
By not integrating an AR display into the first model, the power consumption and thermal issues associated with micro-displays are eliminated. This allows for more predictable battery life for daily use, without the need for large batteries or compromising the design.
Calendar, strategy and roadmap
The most frequently cited timeframe in the reports places the announcement in 2026 and the commercialization in 2027. This gap would give developers time to prepare applications and services, following the tactic that Apple has already used with other launches.
The first model, internally identified as N50 according to leaks, would rely on an iPhone and would not include a screen. Meanwhile, Apple is working on a second version with an integrated display to show overlaid information; its original timeline was further back, but development is reportedly accelerating following recent moves by the competition.
From an organizational standpoint, Apple has reportedly redirected resources from Vision family initiatives to prioritize these glasses. Sources disagree on the exact extent of these pauses, but agree that the short-term focus is on a more affordable, mass-market device than a mixed reality headset.
Siri and Apple Intelligence: The Main Interface
Interaction will rely heavily on voice commands and the analysis of what the cameras capture. Apple is updating Siri with next-generation language models so it can better understand context, maintain natural conversations, and sequence complex actions.
With that foundation, features like live translation , object recognition, and navigation with audio prompts can be executed smoothly and, above all, reliably. Without a capable assistant, the format would lose much of its appeal.
Indicative price and positioning
There are no official figures, but analysts place the price range around €400-€600 to compete with Meta's offerings . Apple would be looking for a balance between features, battery life, and cost, avoiding a niche device with a prohibitive price.
This first generation is designed to establish the product and create usage habits, while a later version with an AR screen will arrive when the technology and software are ready to take the next step. Those who prioritize maturity might prefer to wait; those who want to try the concept first will find here a more direct and lightweight option than a headset.
Everything points to 2026 marking the starting gun for Apple's smart glasses : a debut without an AR screen, focused on daily utility, with a 2nm chip and Siri as its core; and a plan to evolve later towards a model with a display when the ecosystem is ready.
