Apple is developing AI-powered smart glasses featuring dual cameras and gesture-based controls to compete directly with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, with a potential market launch targeted for 2027.

Key Points

• The glasses will feature a high-resolution camera for media capture and a low-resolution wide-angle lens for hand gesture recognition and Siri input.
• To maintain a lightweight design and manage battery constraints, the initial model will exclude displays, LiDAR, and 3D camera technology.
• Apple is testing frames constructed from acetate, a flexible, plant-based material designed for comfort and durability.
• The device will integrate with the upgraded version of Siri expected in iOS 27 to provide contextual information about the user's surroundings.
• Development is currently focused on balancing a slim form factor with the energy demands of onboard AI processing and camera hardware.

Why it Matters

This development signals Apple's strategic entry into the wearable AI market, directly challenging Meta's established position in the smart eyewear sector. By prioritizing gesture-based interaction and lightweight design, Apple aims to create a practical, screen-free interface that could redefine how users interact with digital assistants in daily life.