The next frontier in Apple wearables may combine augmented reality and intelligent display features in a lightweight form factor.
Apple is reportedly working on a new line of smart glasses, with a potential release window set for 2027, according to a Bloomberg report published Friday. The tech giant is said to be developing a custom chip for the device, based on silicon used in the Apple Watch, designed to power multiple onboard cameras and deliver advanced functionality.
The glasses are expected to be available in two versions—one with augmented reality (AR) capabilities and another with a more traditional display. The dedicated chip is projected to enter mass production between late 2026 and 2027, aligning with Apple’s broader expansion in the wearables segment beyond the Apple Watch and AirPods.
The upcoming smart glasses are anticipated to incorporate scaled-down technologies from the Vision Pro headset, offering a more compact and portable experience. Internally, Apple is also believed to be working on full-featured AR glasses, a potential rival to Meta’s upcoming second-generation Orion glasses, also expected to launch around 2027.
In tandem with the smart glasses project, Apple is said to be developing new custom chips for future iterations of AirPods and the Apple Watch, all likely targeting the same 2027 timeline. This strategy reflects Apple’s ongoing push to consolidate its hardware and software ecosystem by reducing dependence on third-party components and deepening in-house innovation.
Among its recent moves in this direction is the introduction of the C1 chip, featured in the iPhone 16e, which delivers enhanced 5G connectivity with greater power efficiency.
One of the standout features rumored for the smart glasses is visual intelligence—such as real-time object recognition and contextual overlays. Apple has been quietly integrating these capabilities into existing devices, possibly preparing for their eventual use in a wearable, heads-up display format.
If successful, Apple’s smart glasses could emerge as the company’s next major hardware platform—extending its ecosystem into a new category of everyday digital interaction and redefining how users engage with the world around them.
