Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its first smart glasses by the end of 2026, signalling a major expansion of its product ecosystem into wearable augmented reality (AR) technology. According to a recent report, the tech giant’s engineers are accelerating development, positioning the upcoming device to compete directly with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses and new devices running on Google’s Android XR platform.
Internally referred to as N50 and now codenamed N401, the project represents Apple’s long-term plan of seamlessly integrating AI and AR into everyday accessories. The smart glasses are expected to include cameras, microphones, and built-in speakers, enabling them to perform a variety of contextual tasks.
Users may be able to make phone calls, play music, get turn-by-turn navigation, and even access real-time translation services. These features will likely be powered by Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, with deeper integration of on-device intelligence through the upcoming Apple Intelligence framework.
The first version of Apple’s smart glasses is not expected to feature full display-based augmented reality. However, the company’s long-term goal remains the development of lens-based AR displays capable of overlaying digital information on the physical world. This ambition echoes similar moves by competitors like Google, which previewed its Android XR platform at the 2025 I/O event.
Apple is already working on custom chips for the device and is reportedly targeting mass production to begin in 2025. This timeline places the product on track for a potential release in late 2026, assuming no delays in development or manufacturing.
As Apple invests in smart glasses, it appears to be refining its broader hardware strategy. Reports suggest the company has cancelled plans for a camera-equipped Apple Watch, which would have allowed users to take pictures and scan their surroundings from their wrist. Meanwhile, other experimental projects like AI-powered AirPods with cameras may still be in the works.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has noted that Apple is also exploring AirPods featuring infrared sensors, which could enable gesture control and enhanced spatial audio. These developments highlight Apple’s growing interest in AI-enhanced wearables, which it sees as a key area for future innovation.
