Apple is deliberately slowing down the development of its smart glasses in order to fully guarantee user privacy. Reports by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg suggest that Apple’s hardware divisions regard data protection as their primary objective for this new category of wearable devices.
Given the company’s established reputation for putting consumer safety first, it seems logical that they are taking extra precautions before bringing such sensitive technology to market.
To limit potential risks, the tech giant is designing specialised software and hardware features that are not currently found in its existing product range. One of the solutions under consideration automatically switches off the recording function when someone tampers with the device’s status light. That approach is similar to certain security measures Meta applies in its smart glasses.
In addition, Apple is exploring several hardware variants to limit privacy breaches. For example, the company is possibly considering a version of the glasses without a camera. Another option is a model with cameras, but without the ability to capture or store photos or videos.
Although it was initially expected that Apple would launch the smart glasses this year, the release date has been significantly postponed. The company is now expected to introduce its smart glasses during the 2027 WWDC event, with a full commercial rollout planned by the end of that year.
In the meantime, Apple may be keeping an eye on Meta’s legal challenges around AI glasses, which could influence a broader debate on privacy in wearable technology.
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