Apple’s smartglasses: Mobile mode on the go, full mode on the Mac?

Apple is apparently planning devices for its upcoming smartglasses that have several operating modes. According to a Bloomberg report a “later version” of the devices, which will then have an integrated display, is to switch depending on the type of use. Supposedly, a full-fledged visionOS will then run on the hardware, but only if a Mac is nearby and the glasses have been paired with it. On the go, the smartglasses are supposed to switch to a “lighter, more mobile-friendly” mode with an adapted interface. Then they are supposedly connected to an iPhone.

First generation still without a screen

However, the first generation of Apple smartglasses will still come without a screen at all. Instead, Apple is taking its cue from what has been known from Meta for several years with its Ray-Ban smartglasses. However, the Facebook parent company had announced a Ray-Ban display with an integrated screen on one side for this year. Apple is said to have intensified its efforts to create a device with a screen and initially postponed a lighter vision headset.

The first Apple smartglasses could be launched in 2026. The displayless control is to be done via Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, which has fallen behind the competition. It remains to be seen whether this will succeed as the company imagines. Meta uses its own AI system for the previous displayless glasses, but also installs it in the Ray-Ban display to simplify control. In addition, there is a tape that can read movements of the hand and fingers.

Vision Pro not dead (yet)

Apple is said to have restructured its vision department in the meantime, according to Bloomberg. As mentioned, the lighter, cheaper “Vision Air” has been postponed, and those involved are now working on smart glasses. Nevertheless, the Vision Pro will probably be further developed and will receive a second variant with a little more performance this year. As usual, Apple will take a “multi-tier approach” with several product lines.

The work on visionOS and the ecosystem behind it is therefore not lost, because it will also be used by the smartglasses. The Vision Pro remains impressive in terms of display quality and operation, but competitors like Meta are catching up significantly. Interestingly, Samsung is also involved in the headset market. Surprisingly, its “Project Muhan” is based on the Vision Pro, although it is considered a flop.