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Apple plans to unveil non-AR smart glasses at WWDC next June
Apple is developing its first smart glasses, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reporting that the company plans to announce them at WWDC next June. The glasses will not include augmented reality features, and Apple is preparing its updated Siri and app controls to help them work smoothly from launch.
Prototypes called N50 run a simplified version of visionOS and use a processor based on older Apple Watch chips. They are expected to rely on an iPhone for many tasks, but Wi-Fi could keep some functions, such as audio playback, working when the phone is out of range. The design priorities include style, privacy and sound quality, with a compact charger that can be used while wearing the glasses; shipments are expected before the end of next year.
In short
- Apple may unveil its first smart glasses at WWDC next June.
- The glasses will lack augmented reality and depend on an iPhone for many tasks.
- Wi-Fi could keep some audio features working when the phone is away.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Apple could make smart glasses more useful and approachable by focusing on everyday functions such as audio and app controls, rather than adding immature or intrusive augmented reality features. Reliance on an iPhone and attention to style, privacy and sound quality may help the product fit into daily life while limiting complexity and cost.
The case against
Launching smart glasses without augmented reality may leave them with too few advantages over phones, earbuds or existing wearables to justify another device. Their reliance on an iPhone could limit independence, while always-worn cameras or microphones may still raise privacy concerns even if privacy is a design priority.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Apple’s first smart glasses are coming together”.