Apple Plans to Launch Smart Glasses to Recoup Vision Pro Investments

Apple is reportedly working on launching smart glasses by 2027, with a design that would compete with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Additionally, the company is exploring the idea of releasing AirPods with built-in cameras. These efforts are part of Apple’s broader strategy to develop products that leverage the Vision Pro’s ability to understand its surroundings.

The development of the Vision Pro was a costly project, contributing to its high retail price. Despite sales performing better than initially anticipated, Apple has been striving to recover the significant investment made during its creation. In a bid to capitalize on the Vision Pro’s technology, Apple’s Vision Products Group is reportedly working on at least four new products. Among them are smart glasses that feature a built-in camera, speakers, and microphone, similar to Ray-Ban Meta’s offering. These are expected to be released in 2027. The AirPods under consideration would also feature a camera, providing a unique feature compared to standard wireless earphones.

The motivation behind these new products stems from Apple’s desire to recoup the billions of dollars spent developing the Vision Pro by incorporating its visual intelligence — the technology that enables the device to scan and understand its surroundings — into more consumer products. However, it remains to be seen what features would differentiate Apple’s smart glasses from Meta’s or regular sunglasses.

Apple is also said to be working on a more affordable version of the Vision headset, which could be priced around $2,000. This lower-cost model is expected to launch in early 2025, featuring a less powerful chip, cheaper materials, and the omission of EyeSight. Additionally, a second-generation Vision Pro, set to release in 2026, is expected to come with an upgraded processor, offering improved performance.