TL; DR
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple’s first AI-powered smart glasses (codename N50) have been delayed from a planned late-2026 reveal / early-2027 launch to late 2027.
- The cheaper and lighter “Vision Air” successor to the Vision Pro is now expected no earlier than late 2028 or 2029.
- The glasses will feature multiple frame styles, oval cameras, and hands-free Siri integration at a $200-$500 price point, focusing on practical features like calls, music, navigation, and real-time translation.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in his Power On newsletter that Apple has pushed back the launch of its first smart glasses by roughly one year. The product, internally known as N50, was originally targeted for a late-2026 introduction and early-2027 shipments, but development challenges have moved the timeline to a late-2027 launch.
Gurman noted that the smart glasses will not include a full in-lens AR display in the first version. Instead, they will be a more practical, everyday wearable designed to compete directly with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. The glasses are expected to come in multiple frame styles, including large rectangular frames similar to Ray-Ban Wayfarers, slimmer rectangular designs, and both larger and smaller oval or circular options. Apple is also testing various colors, with ocean blue among the options being considered.
The glasses will feature oval-shaped cameras and will function primarily as an iPhone companion for hands-free Siri interactions, phone calls, music playback, navigation directions, and real-time translation. Pricing is expected to fall between $200 and $500, making them significantly more accessible than the $3,499 Vision Pro.
Separately, Gurman confirmed that development of the lighter and more affordable “Vision Air,” a slimmer successor to the current Vision Pro headset, has been slowed down. The company had previously placed more resources into the smart glasses project, but Gurman now expects the Vision Air to arrive no earlier than late 2028 or 2029.
The delays come as Apple continues to refine the design and features of the smart glasses while also addressing broader challenges with Siri and Apple Intelligence. Gurman described the glasses as a top priority for company leadership, with CEO (for now) Tim Cook viewing the product as a key part of Apple’s wearable strategy before his planned transition.
These timelines are still subject to change, as Apple frequently adjusts product roadmaps during development. Still, this is clearly Apple’s attempt to enter the growing smart eyewear market with a focus on style, comfort, and practical AI features rather than full augmented-reality immersion in the first generation.
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
