Apple Accelerates Smart Glasses for 2026, Cancels Watch With Camera [Report]

Apple is ramping up development of its long-rumored smart glasses, aiming to release them by the end of 2026, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The effort is part of a broader push to integrate AI into the company's wearable technology.

Engineers are reportedly accelerating work on the glasses—originally codenamed N50 but now part of the broader N401 project—in an effort to meet the 2026 target. Apple is expected to begin large-scale prototype production with overseas suppliers by the end of this year. The smart glasses are said to feature cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling them to analyze the user's surroundings and respond to Siri voice commands. Expected capabilities include handling calls, music playback, live translations, and turn-by-turn directions—similar to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses and upcoming Android XR devices. As previously reported, Apple is developing a dedicated chip for the glasses, with mass production of the component planned as early as next year. While Apple's long-term goal is to release fully augmented reality spectacles, that technology is still several years away.

The report also highlights a shift in Apple's wearable camera strategy. Plans to launch a camera-equipped Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra by 2027 have reportedly been shelved. However, work on AirPods with integrated cameras is said to be ongoing.


These developments come as Apple faces increasing competition in AI-powered devices. OpenAI recently announced a partnership with Jony Ive's startup, io, to design new AI hardware. Meanwhile, Apple continues to improve its own Apple Intelligence platform, including plans to open up its large language models to third-party developers.

Sources say some working on the glasses are concerned Apple's current AI shortcomings could hurt the product's success. At present, the company relies on Google Lens and OpenAI to power real-world analysis in its Visual Intelligence feature on iPhone—but it's likely aiming to replace these with its own solutions over time. The Vision Products Group, which created the Vision Pro, is also developing new versions of the headset, including a lighter, lower-cost model and another that tethers to a Mac for low-latency tasks. Apple had previously considered AR glasses that required a Mac connection but scrapped the idea earlier this year. The company is also reportedly preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone in late 2026.

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