Apple postpones smart glasses to summer 2027 – data protection delays launch

Postponement due to data protection

This marks Apple's entry into a category already accompanied by controversy. Meta's Ray-Ban glasses are particularly in the spotlight because they can capture photos and videos without people nearby noticing. Meta's Super-Sensing mode, which records the wearer's surroundings over extended periods, has also come under criticism. According to Gurman, Apple wants to forego some of the more controversial features of competing devices.

Specifically, according to the available information, Apple does not plan an equivalent to Meta's permanently active recording mode. A market launch is conceivable no earlier than late 2027, Gurman writes – though this timeframe, in his assessment, is not final and could shift further. Apple has not confirmed any of this so far.

Technical protective measures

For hardware, Apple is reportedly relying on local data processing directly in the glasses: data is therefore not sent to remote servers for analysis, but remains on the device. Gurman pointed out that Apple has positioned data protection as a central brand characteristic for more than a decade. In addition, Apple is apparently considering omitting a camera altogether. One option is apparently a version of the glasses entirely without a camera.

Another possibility would be a camera that is solely responsible for sensor tasks and cannot capture photos or videos. This approach would fit with rumours already circulating about Apple's AI-supported AirPods, where a similar restraint in the recording function is said to be under review. Continuous recording along the lines of Meta's Super-Sensing mode, which records the wearer's surroundings over extended periods, is also apparently not planned.

Facial recognition is apparently not part of the plans. Samsung has also decided against facial recognition in its recently presented smart glasses model, although the device is still to include a camera. According to Gurman, Apple's business development aims to change the entire glasses market in a similar way as the Apple Watch changed the watch market.

Planned features and models

Functionally, the Apple glasses are to be capable of playing music and conducting phone calls without the need for AirPods with integrated speakers. Route navigation as an everyday aid is also planned. "Visual Intelligence" is to recognise surroundings, and Siri AI is to be available. The glasses will reportedly manage without a display.

Apple is also planning different models, including versions with prescription lenses – for which the company already brings experience from the Vision Pro product. During setup, the glasses are to be tightly paired with the iPhone. According to Gurman, battery life is to last at least one day per charge. Gurman also reported that Apple does not want to use recordings of customers to train its AI models – a practice that has already drawn criticism elsewhere in the industry.

Further data protection measures, both in hardware and software, are reportedly still under development internally. One conceivable design approach also provides that recordings may only be made with a clear shutter sound to warn bystanders. The company is relying on the argument of giving developers sufficient time for suitable apps to justify the postponement, according to its own statements.

Market environment and competition

The smart glasses market is currently dominated by Meta. Meta itself is also reportedly considering a camera-free variant. Samsung is bringing its model to market in autumn. Apple's strategy of differentiating itself from competitors with strict data protection is considered risky by industry observers, but also as a potential competitive advantage.