Apple is considering releasing smart glasses without a camera

Apple is delaying the release of its first smart glasses, placing a special emphasis on user privacy protection. This was reported by Engadget.

According to the publication, the teams working on the device in the Vision division and other departments of the company view privacy as the top priority of the project. The need to resolve related issues was one of the reasons for postponing the device's release schedule.

Apple is developing new protection mechanisms

According to Bloomberg, the company is working on a number of new hardware and software security features that are not yet available in any existing Apple product.

In particular, mechanisms to prevent covert recording are being considered. One option involves automatically turning off recording if the system detects that the user attempted to disable the light indicator signaling camera activity. A similar approach is already used in Meta's smart glasses.

Camera-free versions are under consideration

Apple is also discussing the possibility of releasing simplified versions of the device.

One option involves completely abandoning the built-in camera. According to another scenario, the glasses could get a full camera system, but users would not be able to use it to take photos or videos. Such solutions are intended to reduce concerns regarding potential privacy violations of people nearby.

The presentation may not take place until 2027

Apple was originally expected to introduce its smart glasses as early as this year. However, according to media reports, the company has pushed back its development schedule.

Now, the presentation of the device is expected at the WWDC 2027 conference, and the commercial launch could take place closer to the end of 2027.

Until then, Apple will be able to monitor how the situation develops around competing Meta devices. As Engadget notes, Meta's smart glasses recently found themselves at the center of a class action lawsuit related to privacy issues, which only confirms the sensitivity of this topic for the entire wearable technology market.