Apple to Develop Smart Glasses and Camera-Equipped AirPods by 2027

Apple is reportedly working on new smart glasses and AirPods with built-in cameras, targeting a potential release in 2027. These devices are part of Apple’s broader strategy to expand its augmented reality (AR) product lineup, moving beyond the Vision Pro headset and aiming to reach a wider audience.

The need for new AR products comes at a time when the Vision Pro has faced significant challenges. Many users have found the $3,500 price tag steep, while issues such as the headset’s weight and tendency to overheat have made it less appealing for extended use. As a result, the product has remained niche, and sales have reportedly fallen short of Apple’s expectations since its launch.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s Vision Products Group is shifting focus beyond the Vision Pro and is considering the introduction of smart glasses similar to Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban. These glasses, along with the camera-equipped AirPods, are intended to leverage the billions of dollars Apple has already invested in visual intelligence technologies. This technology enables devices to analyze their surroundings and provide relevant information to users in real time.

A new software update, expected later this year, will bring some of these visual intelligence features to iPhone 16 models. With this update, users will be able to open the Camera app and point it at an object to receive information about it through a click-and-hold gesture. For example, pointing the camera at a restaurant will display its hours and ratings, while pointing it at a plant will identify the species. Similarly, visual control over something like a flyer will allow users to add dates directly to their Calendar app.

While Apple’s smart glasses and AirPods are still in the development phase, they represent the company’s efforts to make AR features more accessible to consumers. However, Apple remains mindful of its competitive position, as Meta is already offering AR smart glasses at a lower price point.

Additionally, Apple is reportedly planning to release a lower-cost version of the Vision Pro headset as early as next year, potentially priced around $2,000. A second-generation Vision Pro with an upgraded processor is expected to follow in 2026.