Apple Reported to be Developing Smart Glasses and AirPods With Cameras

Apple is reportedly developing a new pair of smart glasses and AirPods with built-in cameras as part of its push toward a fully fleshed-out augmented reality product series. The devices are supposedly on track to be released in 2027.

Following the tumultuous release of Vision Pro, Apple is seeking to develop additional AR-integrated products. According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple’s Vision Products Group is working with the idea of launching a pair of smart glasses similar to the Meta’s Ray-Ban. Paired with AirPods featuring onboard cameras, the smartglasses may take advantage of the Vision Pro’s visual intelligence technology and capabilities.

Much like a feature that’s coming to iPhone 16 later this year, Vision Pro can use visual intelligence software to identify objects out in the real world. Available as a software update for Apple’s flagship smartphone, users can pop open the camera app, scan an object and be given more information. For instance, users could scan the front of a business and receive information on its open hours. Scanning a flier will add relevant information to your calendar.

Apple’s Vision Pro, which launched in Canada earlier in June for $4,999, has faced some struggles. The price tag has placed barriers against mass adoption rates. There are other constraints including battery life, weight, and a limited app marketplace. There have been widespread rumours, with Gurman himself also claiming that a cheaper Vision Pro headset may enter the market. The important factor for Vision Products Group appears to solely rely on lowering the entry price to Vision Pro while “retaining critical features.”

In the past, it’s been believed that a cheaper model of Vision Pro could arrive as early as 2025. In fact, reports claim that it’s become a priority for the company. Apple is said to also be working on a lighter, more comfortable “Vision Pro 2”. However, efforts on that may have paused as the company works to get a low-cost headset onto the market first.