Apple plans to launch AI-powered smart glasses in 2026, cancels camera smartwatch

Apple is reportedly preparing to release its first AI-powered smart glasses in 2026, featuring built-in cameras, microphones, and speakers. These glasses will integrate with Siri to analyze the external environment, handle voice commands, make phone calls, control music, provide live translations, and offer navigation assistance. While they will include an in-house chip, augmented reality capabilities are not expected for several more years. This move follows OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s announcement of acquiring a design company linked to a former Apple designer, with plans to release AI devices next year as well. Apple’s smart glasses are said to be a higher-quality competitor to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have sold over one million units. Meanwhile, Apple has reportedly abandoned plans for a smartwatch equipped with cameras and AI features, though it continues to develop AirPods with cameras. This development shows Apple’s strategic focus on smart glasses as the next frontier in wearable AI technology.