Apple may be
planning a big step into the world of augmented reality (AR) wearables by
developing smart glasses and AirPods with
built-in cameras, with a tentative release date set for 2027. Although the
launch date could change, this move highlights Apple’s interest in expanding
its tech beyond smartphones and watches, aiming to provide more immersive
experiences to users.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, these upcoming devices could be
game-changers, offering exciting features that combine vision, sound, and AR in
innovative ways. Let’s take a closer look at what these products might offer.
Smart Glasses: A Window to AR
The rumored smart glasses are expected to function similarly to Meta’s
Ray-Ban Stories, which have cameras, microphones, and speakers built-in.
Apple’s version might allow users to do things like:
- Take photos and record videos directly using the glasses.
- Make phone calls without taking out their iPhones.
- Interact effortlessly with AR elements seamlessly blended into the real
world.
With these glasses, users could seamlessly integrate digital experiences into
their physical surroundings. Imagine walking down the street and receiving
directions that appear right in your field of vision, or answering calls and
interacting with notifications hands-free. Such features could open new
possibilities for entertainment, productivity, and communication.
AirPods with Cameras: A New Spin on Audio Wearables
One of the more surprising details is that Apple’s future AirPods could come
equipped with cameras, bringing visual functionality to the popular
earbuds. Though the exact use cases are still unknown, some possibilities
include:
- Recording videos or taking pictures on the go.
- Video conferencing directly through AirPods.
- Adding AR features to audio —for example, overlaying visual
effects that complement music or podcasts.
This concept elevates wearable technology to an entirely new dimension.Imagine
attending a virtual meeting where you not only hear your colleagues but
also see visual prompts or notes in real-time through the same
device. Or you could use the camera to capture moments effortlessly without
having to pull out your phone.
Why 2027 Could Be a Turning Point
Apple is said to be aiming for a 2027 launch, although this
timeline is tentative and may be adjusted. It’s common for tech companies to
adjust timelines depending on product development challenges or changing market
trends.
If successful, these smart glasses and enhanced AirPods could further solidify
Apple’s presence in the AR and wearable tech market. With companies
like Meta, Google, and Snap already exploring similar products, Apple’s entry
could introduce more refined, user-friendly solutions that
attract a wide audience.
Final Thoughts
While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed these new products, the reports suggest that the company is looking beyond smartphones to create a more connected and immersive future. By combining AR with everyday wearables, Apple could make these technologies more accessible and useful for the average person. Whether for entertainment, productivity, or capturing special moments, these smart glasses and AirPods could become essential tools in people’s lives.
It will be fascinating to see how Apple continues to develop these concepts in
the coming years. If all goes well, 2027 could mark the beginning of a new era
for Apple’s AR ambitions.