E-MagazineApple AI smart glasses tipped for late 2027 launch, Chinese supplier hints
A Chinese manufacturing supplier has reportedly confirmed its involvement in Apple's AI smart glasses project.
The glasses are expected to feature cameras, microphones and speakers, but may skip built-in displays to keep the design lightweight.
Apple could unveil the smart glasses in 2027, with features such as visual intelligence, object recognition and real-time language translation.
Apple may be preparing to enter the smart glasses market with its first pair of AI powered eyewear next year. According to a recent statement from a Chinese manufacturing equipment supplier has added weight to earlier reports about the project, suggesting that development is progressing.
According to a report by China's Securities Times, Quick Intelligent Equipment mentioned during its quarterly earnings briefing that it had participated in Apple's AI glasses project. The company specialises in manufacturing equipment, including machine vision inspection systems and precision welding solutions. It expects demand for these technologies to improve as projects involving AI glasses and other smart devices progress.
What to expect from Apple's AI smart glasses
Unlike the Apple Vision Pro that aims to offer immersive mixed-reality experiences, Apple’s rumoured smart glasses are expected to be designed for everyday use. The first gen model is reportedly under development without built-in displays, allowing Apple to keep the frame relatively lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.
Instead of displaying digital content in front of the user's eyes, the glasses are expected to rely on cameras, microphones and built-in speakers. These can work alongside Siri and Apple Intelligence to offer features such as identifying objects, answering questions about the surroundings and translating languages.
Apple is also testing frame designs, including acetate and metal finishes, with support for prescription lenses. The glasses can offer a custom low-power chip and connect to an iPhone to handle more demanding processing tasks.
The report also suggests that Apple may bring the smart glasses in 2027, potentially around its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), followed by a commercial launch towards the end of the year. A second-generation model with augmented reality displays is also rumoured to be in development for a later release.
Apple's next step in wearable technology
After the iPhone Duo, the smart glasses can give Apple an entry into new space in the market where companies are exploring ways to make AI more accessible outside smartphones and computers.
However, Apple will face competition from existing smart glasses, including Meta's Ray-Ban range. Its success can depend on how well it integrates cameras, voice assistance and contextual AI into a lightweight design without making the experience overly dependent on an iPhone.
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek.
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