Apple currently plans to unveil its first smart glasses at WWDC 2027, with privacy expected to shape both the product and its marketing. The company reportedly wants developers to begin preparing apps before the glasses reach customers later in 2027.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple has delayed the device while its engineering and marketing teams refine the hardware, software, and privacy message. The glasses, known internally as N50, will likely compete directly with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses.
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“The teams developing glasses within Apple’s Vision hardware group and elsewhere in the company see privacy as priority No. 1,” Gurman said.
Apple is testing several hardware and software privacy features that current smart glasses do not offer. The company will likely rely heavily on on-device processing, avoid facial recognition, and prevent the use of customer recordings to train AI models.
Apple is testing different camera options
Apple has reportedly tested smart glasses without cameras, although this design would limit features that depend on visual intelligence. Another prototype includes cameras for understanding objects and places but blocks users from recording photos or videos.
The final version will most likely include cameras with visible recording indicators and other protections against misuse. Apple also plans to include speakers and microphones for music, phone calls, Siri responses, and notifications.
Privacy concerns remain a major challenge because people often feel uncomfortable around camera-equipped glasses. Apple has spent years promoting privacy across its products, so the company will need clear safeguards before asking customers to wear cameras throughout the day.
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