Apple to bring AI-powered smart glasses in 2026

Google earlier this week offered a sneak peek at the Android XR smart wearable, which will soon compete with Meta's popular Ray-Ban glasses.

Just a few days ago, OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman announced onboarding former Apple Inc. veteran Jony Ive and his 'io' hardware company to build AI devices.

Now, Apple is expected to join the race in the smart wearable category with its own pair of smart glasses next year, reported Bloomberg.

Unlike Vision Pro, which fully covers the eyes like extra large skying glasses, Apple's new device will resemble regular sunglasses.

It will come equipped with a lot of tiny smart sensors, cameras, microphones and speakers. Users will be able to view the notification on the glasses, and like Google's upcoming glasses, be able to offer turn-by-turn navigation as well.

The glasses will be able to allow the eyes to see the world around the user and can superimpose the message notification without being too obstructive or blocking the view.

And, surely the device will support voice-activated Siri digital assistant to perform tasks hands-free. Users need not have to take out their phones to respond to calls or reply to messages. He/she will be able to dictate words assisted with smart response features and send it without wasting much time.

In a related development, Apple is also working ona foldable iPhone, which is expected to launch in 2026, which marks the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone.

The all-new iPhone is said to have a crease-free bendable screen and comes with a top-of-the-line premium metal enclosure and sturdy hinge to hold the wide-display panel inside.

And, in the following year (2027), Apple, in a bid to recreate the iconic 'iPhone X' launch, will bring a special iPhone model, which will have more glass, almost zero-bezel and curvaceous structure than the current crop of iPhones.

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