Apple's smart glasses finally have a date
Apple currently plans to unveil its first smart glasses at WWDC 2027 next June, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman — and privacy will be the centerpiece of its strategy against rivals like Meta.
For the glasses, Apple is prototyping "a slew of new hardware and software-related privacy features" that are not available on current products, Gurman said. While he did not mention specific features, he noted that Apple's marketing will likely emphasize the privacy measures of its glasses compared to rival products like the Meta Ray-Bans.
Privacy as a differentiator
In a world where some people are wary of being secretly recorded by camera-equipped glasses, Gurman said Apple has considered releasing smart glasses with cameras that assist with AI features, but lack photo and video recording capabilities. Apple has even prototyped smart glasses without a camera system entirely.
Still, the most likely outcome is that Apple's glasses will have cameras, but with the sort of privacy protections the company is known for. Like the Meta Ray-Bans, Apple's glasses would also have speakers and microphones for music, phone calls, and notifications announced by Siri.
A delayed but deliberate entry
Apple apparently aims to begin shipping the glasses to customers in late 2027, suggesting a deliberate approach focused on getting the privacy angle right rather than rushing to market. The delay positions Apple to watch Meta navigate the early market while developing competitive answers to the challenges that emerge.
The smart glasses battleground
The smart glasses market has been dominated by Meta, whose Ray-Ban Stories and subsequent smart glasses have generated significant consumer interest but also privacy concerns. Apple's entry — with privacy as a headline feature — could significantly shift the competitive landscape.
"This tech will test the limits of recording in public and one party consent states. It will be interesting to see the results," one MacRumors commenter observed, reflecting broader societal unease about always-on cameras in public spaces.
