Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce its first smart glasses at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2027, followed by a commercial release before the end of that year. The company had previously targeted an early 2027 launch but is said to be using the additional time to refine the product and develop its privacy messaging.
The plans have not been publicly confirmed by Apple. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that privacy has become a leading priority for teams developing the glasses as camera-equipped wearables attract greater scrutiny.
Apple May Emphasise On-Device Processing
Apple is reportedly testing new hardware and software protections designed specifically for the glasses. These may include processing more information directly on the device rather than sending recordings and other personal data to remote servers.
On-device processing already forms a central part of Apple’s privacy approach. The company says Apple Intelligence handles many requests locally, while more complex tasks can use its Private Cloud Compute infrastructure without making personal information accessible to Apple.
The glasses are also unlikely to include facial recognition, according to the report. Apple may avoid continuous recording features that constantly analyse the wearer’s surroundings, although the final hardware and software specifications could still change before launch.
Meta Glasses Have Raised Privacy Questions
Apple’s approach would distinguish the product from Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which can capture photographs, video and audio through built-in cameras and microphones.
Meta’s glasses have faced criticism over people being recorded without their knowledge. Separate reports have also raised concerns about contractors reviewing sensitive footage shared with Meta AI for product improvement and model training.
Apple reportedly does not plan to use customer recordings from the glasses to train its AI models. It is also considered unlikely to have outside contractors routinely review captured footage, though Apple has not published a policy for the unannounced product.
Glasses Expected to Compete With Meta
Apple’s first model is expected to resemble conventional glasses rather than the company’s larger Vision Pro headset. Reports suggest it will use cameras, microphones and AI to understand the wearer’s surroundings, answer questions and support functions linked to an iPhone.
The planned WWDC presentation would give Apple several months to explain the glasses to developers and consumers before sales begin. Privacy is expected to form a major part of that introduction as the company attempts to make camera-equipped eyewear acceptable for both wearers and people around them.
Featured image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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