Apple is finally joining the smart glasses race—but not anytime soon. According to reliable supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s entry into this emerging market will arrive in 2027, putting it well behind Meta’s already popular Ray-Ban smart glasses.
Here’s everything we know about Apple’s smart glasses, how they compare to Meta’s offering, and what this means for the future of wearables.
Apple Smart Glasses in 2027: What to Expect
Kuo reports that mass production of Apple’s smart glasses is slated for the second quarter of 2027. The device is expected to support:
- Photo and video capture
- Music playback
- Touch and voice control
These features suggest that Apple is targeting the casual content creator and everyday user—people who want to record memories, listen to music, or issue Siri commands without pulling out their iPhone.
Notably, the first-generation Apple smart glasses will not feature augmented reality (AR) displays—an area where Meta may surge ahead with its upcoming AR-capable Ray-Bans expected later in 2025.
Design and Materials
Apple is rumored to offer multiple frame styles and materials, allowing for greater personalization. It remains unclear whether Apple will partner with fashion brands like Ray-Ban, which has helped Meta tap into style-conscious consumers.
Meta Ray-Bans: The Current Leader
Released in September 2023, Meta’s second-generation Ray-Bans have set a high bar. Key features include:
- 12MP camera with 1080p video recording
- Dual speakers for open-ear audio
- 5 microphones for clearer calls and commands
- Touchpad controls on the right arm
- LED indicator for active video recording
- 4-hour standalone battery, with 36 hours via charging case
Prices for Meta’s smart glasses start at $299, and over 2 million units have been sold, according to EssilorLuxottica, Ray-Ban’s parent company.
How Apple Will Compete
Apple’s Vision Pro, its current head-mounted device, targets a different market entirely—spatial computing and mixed reality—at a premium price of $3,499. Sales have been modest, with an estimated 500,000–700,000 units sold since February 2024.
In contrast, Apple’s smart glasses will aim for mass-market appeal, likely starting at a much lower price point. Kuo believes that Apple could ship between 3–5 million units in 2027 alone, making it a potentially massive product category for the company.
Why the Delay?
Apple’s cautious entry into this category may be strategic. Instead of racing into AR glasses—an area plagued with battery, miniaturization, and display challenges—Apple is focusing first on refined audio-visual wearables. By 2027, Apple may be able to enter the market with superior hardware and a robust ecosystem built around Siri, Apple Music, and iCloud Photo.
Final Thoughts
While Apple is late to the smart glasses game, history shows that its slow-and-steady approach often leads to category dominance. The Apple smart glasses in 2027 may lack AR at first, but if they deliver on style, function, and ecosystem integration, they could be a major hit.
Until then, Meta Ray-Bans remain the leader, offering the best blend of smart features and classic fashion. But Apple fans eager for a more accessible wearable alternative to the Vision Pro finally have something on the horizon.
