Meta has been selling AI-powered smart glasses since 2023, and its product range has grown steadily. Apple’s version has long been the subject of rumors and speculation, but according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Apple smart glasses have been delayed again.
Initially, Apple planned to announce the glasses by the end of 2026 and begin shipping in early 2027. That timeline is now off the table. Gurman reports that Apple is aiming for a launch at the end of 2027, which in practical terms likely pushes retail availability into 2028. The primary cause of the delay is the development of Apple’s visual AI capabilities, which are being positioned as the core differentiator for the product. The more advanced visual layer of the software is reportedly not ready, and Apple appears unwilling to ship hardware without those key features in place. Separately, Siri is scheduled for a substantial update later this year, but that work is distinct from the visual AI effort driving this delay.
The project carries the internal codename N50. The glasses are intended to serve as a lightweight platform for Apple Intelligence, relying on cameras, microphones, and tight integration with Siri rather than a conventional display. Sources say Apple plans to offer multiple frame styles and a selection of unique color options. The front-facing camera array is said to be arranged in an oval pattern, and the devices will include indicator lights that are reportedly more conspicuous than those on competing products from Meta.
Meta Has a Head Start That’s Only Getting Bigger
While Apple’s smart glasses remain under development, Meta has continued to expand its offerings and refine its wearable platform. The Ray-Ban Meta lineup now spans price points and features, with models that emphasize cameras and on-device AI at the lower end and versions with integrated displays at the higher end. Meta has also extended support for prescription lenses, addressing a practical need for users who require corrective frames daily. That move opens Meta’s products to a broader segment of the market—one Apple will likely want to capture when it finally ships its devices.
Gurman’s reporting highlights that Apple views eyewear as a significant long-term opportunity. The company sees potential beyond communication and convenience: Apple imagines a future where smart glasses could play a role in health and wellness monitoring, with true augmented reality capabilities arriving further down the line. However, the timeline for those more advanced AR features keeps slipping; based on current signals, full AR experiences from Apple are not expected in the immediate future and may remain years away. For now, the focus appears to be on delivering reliable visual AI and a strong foundational experience rather than rushing a broader AR vision to market.
Despite the wait, Apple’s smart glasses are still planned and remain an important part of the company’s long-term product roadmap. The delay underscores Apple’s broader approach to hardware and software integration: the company tends to prioritize polished, cohesive experiences and may postpone launches until key software components meet its standards. This cautious strategy has its advantages—potentially reducing early friction and improving user experience at launch—but it also hands a larger window of opportunity to competitors.
Meta’s existing products have benefited from real-world usage and iterative improvements, giving the company practical feedback on design, features, and everyday use cases. That real-world data has allowed Meta to refine its approach over time and to expand the variety of hardware options available to consumers. In contrast, Apple’s longer development cycle means it is entering a market with established players and user expectations shaped by several years of available devices.
In short, Apple’s smart glasses remain an anticipated future product, but their arrival has been delayed to allow more time for the visual AI features that Apple considers essential. Meanwhile, Meta continues to build on its head start, broadening its lineup and addressing practical needs like prescription compatibility. The landscape for AI-powered eyewear will continue to evolve as both companies push forward, each pursuing different strategies and priorities for how intelligence, health, and augmented reality might integrate into everyday eyewear.