Apple's Smart Glasses: Does the tech giant threaten to lose the connection?

Apple's Smart Glasses: Does the tech giant threaten to lose the connection?

AR, Deutschland - The race for the future of the smart glasses picks up speed, and Apple can be found in an increasingly challenging position. If you look at the current developments, it quickly becomes clear that the company only wants to make its smart glass series serious from 2027. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo emphasizes that the first models from Apple will only be created in the shade of the popular Ray-Ban meta-glasses. Meta has successfully introduced these glasses into the market since its introduction in 2021, and while Apple is still working in the background, Meta is already planning the introduction of new products.

For autumn 2023, a player will rely on the fact that Smart Glasses with an integrated head-up display will come onto the market, while Apple only specifies its plans for the introduction of Smart Glasses for 2027. Meta, on the other hand, is also planning the third generation of its glasses and full-fledged AR glasses by 2026-and that could cost Apple the race if they are not adding up soon.

Apple's developments and challenges

What is far more interesting is the long timetable from Apple. The tech giants have high-tone plans: The current model of the Apple Vision Pro will get an upgrade to the M5 chip this year, while for 2028, full-fledged AR glasses are on the plan, which could form the basis for further innovations. But Apple is not alone. With the new "Apple Vision Air" model, which is supposed to be easier and cheaper in 2027 than the Pro version, Apple wants to bring a breath of fresh air into the market.

For the development of these products, Apple already has up to seven different models in the pipeline, including smart glasses, which, however, do not offer a display functionality, but rather rely on audio playback and AI-based environmental detection. While these technical details are exciting, the question of market acceptance remains to be clarified - especially when you consider that Apple apparently has to deal with data protection problems and a deficit in artificial intelligence.

market dynamics and competitive strategies

The market analyzes show extremely high growth numbers for AR and VR smart glasses. The estimated market value was around $ 16.6 billion in 2023, and according to estimates, it will grow to an impressive $ 55.6 billion by 2032. This could be further fueled by increasing demand for AR/VR applications in various sectors such as e-commerce and social networks. One thing is certain: the manufacturers have recognized the possibilities of AR and VR technologies, and the pressure to launch innovative products.

The competition does not sleep. From 2026, Google also plans to launch smart glasses based on Android XR and are equipped with the AI ​​assistant Gemini. Snap and Xiaomi also work on their own AR glasses, and this indicates that Apple acts in a possibly united front-but does not have the only sheet in hand.

Despite all these challenges, Apple's deep integration into its ecosystem, together with the innovative strength of the iPhone, could represent a decisive advantage over meta and other competitors. The next few years will be crucial for whether Apple can successfully continue its technological heir in the area of ​​portable technologies or whether the advantage of META and other manufacturers will thwart the company. What is certain is that the next steps of the company have to be well thought out.

Sources like Heise.de , gadgets360.com and MarketResarchfuture.com offer comprehensive insights into the current trends and developments that shape the market. The next few years will promise to be exciting, and for my part I can hardly wait and see what the manufacturers will present to us!