Key Takeaways: According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple plans to unveil its first smart glasses at WWDC in June 2027, with consumers expected to be able to purchase them toward the end of 2027. The unveiling was originally scheduled for late 2026. Privacy is expected to be the key selling point compared to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses.
Apple’s smart glasses are coming later than expected: Apple is now planning the official debut of its first smart glasses for the WWDC developer conference in June 2027, with a launch scheduled for late 2027. Mark Gurman reports this in his Bloomberg newsletter. This pushes the project back significantly, as the Apple glasses were originally supposed to be released as early as late 2026.
Why Apple Is Delaying the Smart Glasses
The report cites two reasons for the delay. First, Apple still needs time for technical fine-tuning; second, the company wants to provide developers with tools early enough to build apps for this new class of devices. The most important factor, however, is data privacy: Apple is simultaneously working on hardware and software features that go beyond current market standards before putting cameras in people’s faces.
This is precisely where Apple wants to set itself apart from Meta. The competitor’s Ray-Ban models have long been met with skepticism in restaurants, schools, and stadiums (“You were filming me right in the face!”). Apple is therefore relying on local processing directly on the device, forgoing automatic facial recognition, not using customer footage for AI training, and not allowing any image or audio material to be reviewed by external service providers.
Camera or no camera?
Internally, the camera question apparently hasn’t been decided yet. According to Gurman, Apple even discussed versions with no camera at all, as well as models in which the camera only captures the surroundings for AI (Visual Intelligence) without taking photos or videos. Because such a limitation would diminish the value for many buyers, glasses with a camera and clearly visible recording indicators are ultimately considered the most likely solution.
What We Know About Apple Smart Glasses
In addition to a camera and AI features via Siri and Apple Intelligence, the glasses are also expected to allow for phone calls and music playback without AirPods. The hardware (codenamed N50) is being developed in Apple’s Vision division. These key details have been leaked so far:
| Feature | Rumor Status |
|---|---|
| Announcement | WWDC, June 2027 |
| Release Date | Late 2027 |
| Price | approx. $200–$500 |
| Display | No AR display in the lenses |
| Camera | Oval cameras; final design to be determined |
| Features | Siri/Apple Intelligence, phone calls, music |
Conclusion
With the Apple Smart Glasses, Apple is deliberately taking a cautious approach to this new category and making privacy its central argument against Meta’s smart glasses. However, June 2027 is still a long way off, and a lot could change by then—especially when it comes to the camera.
