Tim Cook is deeply invested in Apple’s development of actual AR glasses, with an Apple engineer stating that it’s his top priority. However, crafting these glasses is a lengthy process.
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that, in the meantime, Apple is working on “its own glasses equipped with cameras and microphones,” akin to the Meta Ray-Bans.
These upcoming glasses are expected to integrate extensively with Siri and Visual Intelligence, which aligns with Apple’s push into AI. Nevertheless, privacy concerns surrounding media capture will likely set them apart from Meta’s offerings.
Despite this, Gurman describes the initiative as an “interim solution” while Apple continues to work on actual AR glasses. Achieving production quality still requires refining numerous technologies:
A range of technologies must be optimized, such as ultra-high-resolution displays, high-performance chips, and compact batteries that can provide sufficient daily power. Additionally, Apple needs to develop compelling applications that could rival the iPhone’s appeal. All of this needs to be delivered in bulk at prices that consumers find acceptable.
Given Meta’s success in the smart glasses market and the uncertain timeline for AR glasses, it’s plausible that Apple will introduce some version of smart glasses during this interim period.
The report confirms that AR glasses remain a top priority for Tim Cook; he is “determined” to produce an “industry-leading product” ahead of Meta, focusing on little else.
Meta introduced its prototype Orion AR glasses last year, but they are still years away from mass production, with prototypes likely costing tens of thousands. The competition is fierce, and Tim Cook is determined not to fall behind; reportedly, it’s the “only project he’s really dedicating his time to” in terms of product development.
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