Smart glasses are set to become a reality for you by the end of 2026, as Apple is preparing to launch its own version, according to a report from Bloomberg. These new smart glasses will put you in touch with a range of features, comparable to what you might find in the Meta Ray-Bans or the recently unveiled Android XR glasses from Google.

Apple’s smart glasses will come equipped with cameras, microphones, and AI capabilities designed to enhance your daily life. You will be able to take photos, record videos, get translations, and receive turn-by-turn directions directly through the glasses. Additionally, they will allow you to play music, make phone calls, and even offer feedback about what you’re seeing around you. If you have questions or need assistance, the glasses will be able to answer queries using Siri, Apple’s personal assistant, which is expected to be significantly improved by the time the product launches.

This upcoming device won’t feature augmented reality (AR) capabilities, but it will serve as an important stepping stone toward Apple’s ultimate goal of producing lightweight AR glasses. While true AR smart glasses are still years away, mainly due to the current limitations in chip and battery technology—such as size and cost—Apple wants to perfect this interim product to pave the way for future advancements.

Work on these glasses has gained momentum as Apple targets a late 2026 release. By the end of this year, Apple plans to produce “large quantities” of prototypes, giving you and the company ample opportunity to test the features before mass production and a public unveiling. You can expect a well-crafted and refined device, with one Apple employee even stating that the glasses will be similar to Meta’s but “better made.”

Unlike Meta, which employs AI models like Meta Llama, and Google with its Gemini system, Apple will use its own proprietary AI models to power the glasses. This means you will experience a unique integration that aligns with Apple’s ecosystem, potentially offering seamless interaction with your other Apple devices.

Apple’s vision is to eventually create true AR glasses that are lightweight and affordable, but for now, the smart glasses launching in 2026 will provide a rich set of functionalities without full augmented reality features. These glasses are designed to blend technology with your everyday activities, enhancing convenience, communication, and entertainment while staying unobtrusive.

By choosing Apple’s smart glasses, you can look forward to a product that combines innovative AI technology with practical tools to assist you throughout your day. Whether you want to capture moments hands-free, navigate unfamiliar places, or stay connected without reaching for your phone, these glasses will be built to support you closer to the future Apple envisions.