Witness to Smart Glasses: Does Apple threaten to lose the race?

Apple is not particularly in a hurry with the introduction of smart glasses and new vision devices. This suggests a current forecast by the analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Will the proven Apple principle, not the first, but the best on the market, are going up again, especially since the market and technology in computer glasses develop slowly anyway? Or does the company risk falling behind, as with artificial intelligence?

According to Ming-Chi KUOS research, there will only be new Apple computer glasses from mid-2027. It would start with Smart Glasses similar to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, followed by an “Apple Vision Air” in the same year that should be significantly cheaper and lighter than Apple Vision Pro. For 2028 plan Apple with first full-fledged AR glasses and a second generation of the Apple Vision Pro. The current model is to receive a processor upgrade on the M5 chip this year. Apart from that, nothing will change in the specifications, says Kuo.

Of course, the analyst can be wrong. And Apple will adapt its plans over time anyway, depending on how market and technology develop. But if Kuo’s forecast only applies approximately, Apple is driving the project comparatively slowly.

The competition is positioned

This can be seen in direct comparison with the competition, especially Meta. The company has been on the market with Ray-Ban meta glasses since 2021 and was able to gain valuable experience with technology and target group. A knowledge advantage that should not be underestimated. Meta also pursues an ambitious product timetable.

This summer Meta is expanding its Ray-Ban AI glasses portfolio to the Oakley brand. Loud Report by Bloomberg and CNBC Other models are also planned in cooperation with Oakley and Prada. In addition, the evidence that Meta will launch smart glasses with integrated head-up display for the first time in autumn, intended for simple applications such as photo and card apps and the display of smartphone notifications. According to the Techmagazin the information, the third generation of Metas Smart Glasses is already planned for 2026. 2027 again According to Bloomberg The first full-fledged AR glasses appear, a further development of the Orion glasses prototype. This is the same year in which Kuo is expecting Apple’s first smart glasses.

There are also competition from other tech sizes: As early as 2026, Google could flood the market with smart glasses, which come from various third-party manufacturers, are based on Android XR and are equipped with the AI ​​assistant Gemini. In the same year, Snap is planning to introduce AR glasses for end consumers. Xiaomi is already testing the first AI glasses on the Chinese market. Other competitors are likely to follow.

Smart Glasses: data protection and AI trap for Apple

The newly sparked interest in smart glasses goes back to Metas Initiative in large parts. With the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, the company has shown that a market for stylish AI glasses exists. With the AR glasses prototype Orion, Meta has also raised hopes that everyday glasses could still become reality after other companies have given up the idea in view of the technical hurdles. The innovation carrier was meta in both cases, not Apple. A signal that should not be ignored in Cupertino. Because now Apple is also one of those who have to catch up with Meta in this area.

For the time being, that doesn’t have to mean bad things. Apple traditionally feels comfortable in the role of the straggler, who steps onto the stage late, but sets standards with sophisticated products.

Apple won’t have it easy in any case. The new device category brings challenges that are specific to smart glasses: glasses that permanently grasp their surroundings are difficult to reconcile with Apple’s self -proclaimed data protection philosophy. In addition, Apple lags behind in the field of artificial intelligence. A disadvantage that could prove to be decisive for the next generation of AI glasses.