Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its long-anticipated smart glasses in 2027, positioning them as a direct competitor to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, according to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. While Apple has remained tight-lipped about its augmented reality ambitions, industry observers and supply chain reports suggest the company is moving forward with a dedicated smart glasses product.

Unlike Apple’s high-end Vision Pro headset, which debuted in 2024 with a $3,499 price tag, the upcoming smart glasses are expected to be lightweight, display-free, and focused on audio playback, video capture, and AI-powered voice interaction. Kuo says the glasses will support touch and hands-free voice control, allowing users to take photos, record videos, and listen to music—without pulling out their phones.Apple plans to offer multiple frame and material options, though it remains unclear whether it will partner with established eyewear brands like Ray-Ban or Oakley. Notably, the first-generation glasses will not feature augmented reality (AR) displays, putting them behind Meta’s next-gen Ray-Bans, which are expected to include AR capabilities later this year.Despite the delay, Kuo projects Apple could ship 3 to 5 million units in the first year of launch, potentially outpacing the Vision Pro’s estimated 500,000–700,000 units sold since its release.With Meta already having sold over 2 million pairs of its Ray-Ban smart glasses since 2023, Apple’s 2027 entry signals a calculated move to refine the product and ecosystem before entering the market.