Apple’s plans for AI-powered smart glasses have reportedly slipped again, pushing the product further away from consumers as the company continues work on the technology behind its next major hardware category. At the same time, a lighter, more affordable successor to Vision Pro, often referred to as Vision Air, is still in development and appears to be on track for a launch sometime in 2028 or 2029.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple originally aimed to introduce its smart glasses by the end of 2026 and ship them in early 2027. That timeline has now moved back by roughly a year as Apple focuses on improving the artificial intelligence features that will power the device.
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Apple wants AI glasses ready before launch
In his latest newsletter, Mark Gurman said Apple is taking additional time before bringing its smart glasses to market.
“There have been some bumps on the road to Apple becoming an eyewear giant. It had initially planned to introduce its smart glasses, code-named N50, at the end of 2026 and ship them by early 2027. But as is often the case with major new Apple products, there have been delays. The company is now working toward launching the glasses at the end of next year, I’m told.”
The report suggests Apple’s biggest challenge is not the hardware itself but the AI experience behind it. The glasses are expected to rely heavily on Siri, Visual Intelligence, and Apple Intelligence features, and Apple reportedly wants those capabilities to reach a higher standard before launch.
Apple also sees the product as more than a gadget. The company reportedly plans to offer different frame styles, unique colors, and camera-equipped designs that could eventually evolve into health-focused and augmented reality products.
Apple sees a much bigger opportunity than smartwatches
Apple reportedly believes the eyewear market offers an opportunity similar to what the Apple Watch created a decade ago. Millions of people already wear prescription glasses or sunglasses every day, giving Apple a much larger potential audience than traditional wearable devices.
“With glasses, it is targeting a much broader demographic: the billions of people who wear prescription eyewear, sunglasses or both, as well as those who view glasses as a fashion accessory.”
The company reportedly believes its design, ecosystem integration, and AI features can help it compete with established eyewear brands while creating a new category of connected glasses.
Vision Air still on the roadmap
While attention remains focused on AI glasses, Apple has not abandoned its headset ambitions. Gurman reports that a lighter and slimmer Vision Pro successor remains in development.
“Apple has also been working on a slimmer and lighter headset to succeed to the $3,499 Vision Pro, but I don’t anticipate that to launch before late 2028 or 2029.”
That timeline means Apple’s spatial computing lineup will likely remain unchanged for the next few years, apart from processor upgrades. For now, Apple appears focused on getting its AI glasses right, as the company sees eyewear as one of its largest long-term opportunities.
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