Apple is expected to unveil its first pair of AI-powered smart glasses as early as next year, integrating Visual Intelligence and bringing Siri into the physical world.
Core Features
These will be AI glasses rather than AR glasses, meaning they’ll rely primarily on voice and camera functionality rather than any built-in display. The cameras will allow Siri to observe a user’s surroundings in real time, answering questions, offering context, and translating signage. Another expected feature, first hinted at in a macOS leak, would let users ask Siri to save an image of something and set a reminder related to it later.
The glasses will also include built-in speakers for music and audio playback, functioning essentially as open-ear headphones. One notable limitation: according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, they may not support standard photo and video capture, a decision likely aimed at avoiding the privacy backlash that has followed Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses.
Styles
Unlike Meta, which partnered with an established eyewear brand, Apple is reportedly designing its glasses entirely in-house, with several styles reportedly in development: a large rectangular frame reminiscent of classic Wayfarer styling, a slimmer rectangular design similar to what CEO Tim Cook wears, a larger oval or circular frame, and a smaller, more refined oval or circular option. The frames are expected to be made from acetate, a more durable, premium alternative to standard plastic, and will reportedly be offered in finishes including black, ocean blue, and light brown.
Health
Apple is also said to be exploring positioning a future version of the product as a health-focused device, potentially incorporating heart-rate monitoring similar to AirPods Pro 3, alongside software features akin to Apple Watch’s Workout Buddy. Exactly how Apple plans to build out the health angle remains unclear, and it’s not expected to be part of the initial release.
