Apple to focus on AI-powered wearable devices as they explore smart glasses

Apple’s Vision Pro headset

As well as leisure uses such as gaming, the Vision Pro will transform digital work tasks like image-editing

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple is no stranger to wearable devices, recently releasing the groundbreaking Apple Vision Pro, which has transformed the landscape of AR consumer technology. Before that, the development of the Apple Watch has become a common staple of many people's daily accessories. Apple has seen that there is more demand for electronic wearables and has plans to further its development of new products, including smart glasses with in-built cameras. 

In the latest Power On newsletter from Bloomberg, Mark Gurman writes on Apple's potential roadmap and expects new wearable ideas to be tested soon. The article states that Apple's wearable products now account for 10% of the company's revenue, up from 5% in the previous year. This provides proof that there is a market that they want to continue to explore. 

Apple has previously examined the possibility of a Fitbit-like electronic ring, that can talk to other Apple devices and relay information such as health tracking data. Gurman states that this may just remain an idea for now, as there is a significant overlap between the idea for the ring and the Apple watch, but it does indicate Apple's area of focus. 

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses (Image credit: Ray-Ban | Meta)

Gurman also states that Apple engineers have also discussed the possibility of creating smart glasses, much like the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. The glasses would be a combination of Airpods and glasses with an in-built AI, sensors, and cameras but would not implement its AR tech - yet. Rayban has attempted to create smart glasses a couple of times, with the first iteration of Ray-Ban Stories failing to hit the masses. The most recent iteration, however, has sold better than expected, but it has still not become a 'must-have device'. Being able to capture moments on camera in a first-person view is exciting and creative, and with content creation demands still on the rise, more of these convenient cameras will become more popular.

Ray-Ban has also provided more evidence that the public is more accepting of the idea of wearing these devices on the face, an issue that is becoming more and more acceptable.

The idea of a true augmented reality eyewear, if executed correctly would be an exciting one, and it does feel if anyone can pull it off, it would be Apple. The Vision Pro has introduced larger AR head/eyewear to the zeitgeist, so a smaller sleeker version that can be implemented in ordinary eyeglasses would then become a must-have – even if it doesn't include the AR capabilities. 

Wearable devices powered by AI will likely become more and more common, in the same way it has been introduced into our mobile phones. We have them in our pockets and on our wrists, so why not go full cyborg and have them on our faces?

This is a whole moral issue in itself and raises many questions that should be considered. I'm personally a little apprehensive of future reliance on wearable AI technology as a society, and I think it may be an inevitable bridge to cross in the near future. 

TOPICS
Kalum Carter
Staff Writer

Kalum is a professional photographer with over a decade of experience, also working as a photo editor and photography writer. Specializing in photography and art books, Kalum has a keen interest in the stories behind the images and often interviews contemporary photographers to gain insights into their practices. With a deep passion for both contemporary and classic photography, Kalum brings this love of the medium to all aspects of his work.

Read more
Ray-Ban Stories review
Will Meta’s smart glasses finally be worth buying? Zuckerberg drops big hint on a third-generation Meta Ray-Bans
A watch with a built in camera
Top leaker says Apple Watch will get camera – but I can tell you it'll be controversial!
Apple AirPods
Are Apple AirPods getting tiny cameras?
Animation of two young people wearing and using Solos AirGo smart glasses
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses just got an interesting new competitor in Solos – but they're still ridiculous
Woman wearing a pair of white Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses
I'm sure cameras glasses will never be a thing, and here's why
Oppo Find N5 phone folded and balanced on its hinge with its screen on
Foldable phones are awesome – but to be mainstream they need the shot in the arm that only the rumored Apple foldable can provide
Latest in Extended Reality
A woman sitting on the sofa with augmented reality glasses on
"The most advanced pair of AR glasses ever made": Meta unveils Orion augmented reality glasses
Meta Quest 3 Front
Meta abandons headset. Is mixed reality in jeopardy, or can't Mark Zuckerberg take the virtual heat?
Apple Vision Pro
BIG show of faith in Apple Immersive Video – a host of new content for Vision Pro released
Apple Vision Pro being worn by woman on white background
Apple Vision Pro – a 3D camera and then some – will hit UK & Australia pre-orders this month!
Canon 3D VR cameras at The Photography & Video Show
"We're opening up VR to more people" says Canon
Canon VR Concept
Canon is "heavily invested in Virtual Reality and we want to get these products out as soon as possible"
Latest in News
Specta Mini drone hovering over a car and four people
Want to get around the DJI drone ban AND save? Meet the Specta Mini – cheap and USA-legal!
Potensic Atom SE drone
Drones deals with the power to impress - these Potensic drones are great!
Fujifilm Fujinon LA30x7.8 BRM-XB2
Fujifilm announces development of a new 30x zoom broadcast lens ahead of NAB 2025
Pergear CFexpress 4.0 Type A Master cards
Pergear launches new super-fast AND super-cheap CFexpress Type A cards
Rokinon AF 135mm f/1.8
Huge price drops on low-cost prime lenses for Sony and Fujifilm camera users
A sleek YoloCam S7 camera body with a vertical sensor, paired with a detachable lens against a dark backdrop
The YoloCam S7 gives a novel twist to the 4K streaming camera for those recording vertical video