Apple is gearing up to expand its lineup of vision-based products, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The tech giant is reportedly developing smart glasses akin to Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban, along with AirPods equipped with cameras. However, these innovative products are not expected to hit the market until at least 2027, if they come to fruition at all.
Capitalizing on R&D Investments
The motivation behind these new offerings stems from Apple’s desire to leverage its substantial multi-billion dollar investment in the Apple Vision Pro‘s visual intelligence. By integrating this advanced technology into more products, Apple aims to maximize the return on its R&D efforts. We’ve already seen the initial steps in this direction with the introduction of visual intelligence features in the iPhone 16’s camera control.
Smart Glasses: A New Frontier
The upcoming smart glasses are expected to feature built-in cameras, speakers, and microphones, but they won’t be full-fledged AR glasses with displays. Instead, they will resemble Meta’s popular Ray-Ban glasses. Meta offers these stylish smart glasses starting at $299, with options for more premium frames available.
AirPods with a Twist
In addition to the smart glasses, Apple is also working on AirPods with cameras. While details remain scarce, there’s skepticism about the practicality of this product. It raises questions about the appeal of having outward-facing cameras on a device primarily designed for audio. Despite potential concerns, Apple appears committed to exploring this form factor, suggesting that they are determined to incorporate visual intelligence features throughout their product range.
Conclusion
As Apple continues to innovate, the potential introduction of smart glasses and camera-equipped AirPods marks an intriguing chapter in the company’s evolution. While the timeline for these products remains uncertain, they reflect Apple’s ongoing ambition to blend cutting-edge technology with everyday usability. With a focus on visual intelligence, Apple is poised to reshape how we interact with the digital world, making it an exciting prospect for tech enthusiasts and consumers alike.