Apple is reportedly developing smart glasses and AirPods with built-in cameras, aiming to expand its augmented reality (AR) offerings beyond the niche Vision Pro headset. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that these new devices could launch as early as 2027, signaling Apple’s ambition to bring AR experiences to a wider audience.
This push for more accessible AR products comes as the Vision Pro faces challenges in the market. Its high price tag ($3,500), weight, and reported overheating issues have limited its appeal. Sales have reportedly fallen short of expectations, prompting Apple to explore alternative form factors for its AR technology.
According to Gurman, Apple’s Vision Products Group is now focusing on developing smart glasses similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories, along with AirPods equipped with cameras. These devices would leverage the advanced visual intelligence capabilities developed for the Vision Pro, allowing them to analyze surroundings and provide users with relevant information.
This technology will also be integrated into the iPhone 16 models through a software update. Users will be able to point their phone’s camera at an object and obtain information about it with a simple gesture. This feature could be used to identify plants, access restaurant details, or even add events to the calendar by pointing the camera at a flyer.
While the smart glasses and camera-equipped AirPods are still in the early stages of development, they represent Apple’s strategy to make AR more accessible and appealing to a broader user base. The company is reportedly concerned about its current position in the AR market, with Meta already offering more affordable smart glasses.
In addition to these new product categories, Apple is also working on future iterations of the Vision Pro headset. A lower-cost version, priced around $2,000, could launch as early as next year, while a second-generation Vision Pro with an upgraded processor is expected in 2026.
By expanding its AR product lineup with more affordable and accessible devices, Apple aims to solidify its position in the growing AR market and bring its vision of spatial computing to the masses. The company’s investments in visual intelligence and AR technology are expected to pave the way for a future where digital information seamlessly blends with the real world.