Apple Aims to Launch AI Smart Glasses by 2026, Competing with Meta

Apple is intensifying its efforts in the AI-enhanced device market, with plans to launch smart glasses by the end of 2026. This new product is designed to compete directly with Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. Apple's engineering team is working diligently to accelerate the development process, aiming to begin mass production of prototypes with overseas suppliers by the end of this year.

The smart glasses will be equipped with cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling them to analyze the external environment and receive commands through the Siri voice assistant. Users will be able to perform a variety of tasks, including making calls, playing music, real-time translation, and navigation. This functionality is similar to Meta's current smart glasses and upcoming devices running Android XR operating system.

While Apple is making significant progress with its smart glasses project, there is still uncertainty surrounding its future. The company has a history of canceling projects, which means the smart glasses' launch is not yet guaranteed. Additionally, Apple has shelved its plans to equip the Apple Watch with built-in cameras, which were intended to enhance the device's ability to gather information about the surrounding environment. The decision to halt this project is unclear, but there is a possibility that it could be restarted in the future.

Despite the setback with the Apple Watch camera project, Apple's innovation in the wearable device sector continues. The company is still progressing with a project to integrate micro-cameras into AirPods. These cameras may utilize infrared sensing technology to enhance spatial audio, gesture control, and other AI functionalities.

Apple's advancements in the AI sector have been slower compared to its competitors. The smart glasses project represents the company's latest attempt to catch up. To further enhance its AI capabilities, Apple is planning to open its large language models to external developers, aiming to attract a wide range of AI-enhanced third-party software through the App Store.

Apple faces increasing competition in the AI device market. For instance, OpenAI has announced plans to launch hardware products starting next year, intensifying the market competition. How Apple will respond to these challenges and whether the smart glasses can stand out in the competitive landscape remains a key focus for the industry.

Overall, the launch of Apple's smart glasses signifies a new strategic direction for the company in the AI technology sector. Over the next few years, the market response to this product will be a critical test of Apple's strategic initiatives in emerging technologies.