Apple Glasses: Everything we know so far

It’s been a while since we’ve heard substantial rumors about the Apple Glasses, meaning the long-rumored augmented reality smart glasses are likely far away from launching.

But while it’s looking like we will still have a couple of years to wait before they are revealed, the Apple AR/VR headset could arrive before the end of 2023. It’s believed that the headset will function more like an entertainment or developer device, while Apple Glasses will be designed to interface with day-to-day life.

Apple’s augmented reality framework shows up multiple times in code and text documents, suggesting Apple is testing activation and application in some capacity. As for when these products are launching, what they’ll do and how much they’ll cost, there are several questions that remain unanswered.

For now, it’ll take a lot for us to wear Apple Glasses. But until we know more, here’s everything we know about Apple Glasses, including the potential release date, price, design and specs.

Release date rumors

We would not expect the Apple Glass release date to be anytime soon. That’s because an Apple AR/VR headset is expected first, which is now tipped to be unveiled at WWDC 2023 in June ahead of a later availability date.

The Apple Glasses are tipped to follow the AR/VR headset, with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo having now tipped the Glasses to arrive in 2026. That’s because Kuo has the belief that the metalenses the glasses will likely be based on won’t even begin production until 2024.

A Bloomberg report also corroborated a delay, noting technical challenges involved in making Apple Glasses a reality. In fact, these challenges may be so significant that the expectation is that Apple Glasses are “at least four years away.” In fact, there’s now significant buzz that they may never see the light of day. Apple may now be prioritizing a cheaper version of its mixed reality headset instead, with a possible 2024 or 2025 launch.

VR and mixed reality headset

In addition to Apple Glass, the Apple VR and mixed reality headset is also in the works, and could be less complex and closer to launch.

The Apple VR and mixed reality headset reportedly features ultra-high-resolution screens and a cinematic speaker system that should enable realistic visual experiences, according to people who have seen prototypes.

Those sources also said the headset looks like a slimmer, fabric-swathed, Oculus Quest, but the design isn’t final as the company continues testing to determine the ideal fit for most head shapes.

There’s no word on price, though we don’t expect it to be cheap. The Quest 2 starts at $399, while the Meta Quest Pro costs $1,499 and Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 is a whopping $3,500. Reports claim Apple’s headset could be between $1,000 and $3,000 when it launches.

Like its competitors, the Apple VR and mixed reality headset will reportedly benefit from its own App Store, where users can access gaming, video streaming and communications software. Voice assistant Siri will be tasked with controlling the headset, though a physical remote and body tracking controls are reportedly being tested as well.

As for a potential release date, the VR headset is on pace to debut sometime this year, following a rumored announcement event in March.

No clue what the difference between mixed reality, augmented reality and virtual reality actually is? We have an explainer that tells you exactly what mixed reality is and what Microsoft, Meta and Apple have planned for it.

Price

According to Prosser the Apple Glasses are currently priced at $499, plus prescription fees. Now that may seem low, especially compared to competing augmented reality headsets like the Microsoft Hololens 2.

Hololens 2 has a price tag of $3,500 but a big part of of its cost comes from having all the electronics needed to run the AR experience built into the headset.

Apple Glass, rather, will rely on a companion iPhone for processing, so it will have significantly less parts and complexity than Hololens. It’ll work more like the Vuzix Blade smart glasses, which have a built-in camera and Alexa integration.

Still, Vuzix Blade starts at $799. Apple’s entry point is significantly more accessible, costing as much as some of it’s top-specced smartwatches.