HIGHLIGHTS

Meta is reportedly racing to launch an all-new, high-end version of smart glasses by October 2025.

Meta’s next-generation smart glasses will likely come equipped with a small built-in display.

The new model is expected to be priced at over $1,000.

Meta is on the brink of a significant advancement in the realm of wearable technology. Following the announcement of its AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses aimed at markets like India, the company is now tenaciously working to launch an upgraded, premium version of smart glasses by October 2025.

According to reports from Bloomberg, these next-generation smart glasses from Meta are set to feature a compact built-in display. This innovative addition will allow users not only to run basic applications but also to view photos directly on the device. However, this ambitious upgrade comes with an expected price tag of over $1,000, positioning it as a notable step forward from the current model available on the market. Nevertheless, the timeline for this project is proving to be quite tight.

To meet the looming October deadline, project managers at Meta are reportedly urging their teams to expedite their progress. This has included mandating weekend work shifts to maintain momentum. While there remains a faint possibility of delays, the company is fully committed to adhering to their planned schedule.

In related developments, Apple is quietly advancing its own version of smart glasses, codenamed “N50.” Currently in the nascent stages of development, these glasses are not expected to offer full augmented reality capabilities. Instead, they will focus on analyzing the user’s environment and providing beneficial insights. Additionally, Apple is simultaneously exploring the development of camera-equipped AirPods, which would deliver similar functionalities for users who prefer not to wear glasses throughout the day.

On a different note, it’s worth highlighting the potential privacy concerns associated with using Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. For those interested, this article explores the implications: Using Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses? Here’s why you should worry about your privacy.

The competitive landscape between Meta and Apple is expected to intensify as we approach the later years of this decade, particularly when fully immersive augmented reality devices become a standard offering. Interestingly, despite Apple’s well-known prowess in the wearables market, notably with products like the Apple Watch, Meta has somehow gained a first-mover advantage in the development of smart glasses.

Amid these developments, Apple is also facing challenges in its broader strategy. For instance, the company has ambitions to relocate the entirety of its iPhone assembly operations to India by 2027, though there are concerns regarding the feasibility of this plan. Further details can be accessed here: Apple’s plan to move entire iPhone assembly to India by 2027 might be unrealistic.

As Meta and Apple continue their race in the smart glasses arena, consumers can expect heightened innovation and competition, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in wearable technology. The anticipation surrounding the release of Meta’s next-gen smart glasses adds an exciting dimension to the narrative, especially given the high expectations associated with their features and pricing. Keeping an eye on both companies will be essential as they navigate the complexities of technology development and market demands in the years to come.