Apple Glasses Delayed: Privacy Pushes Reveal to 2027

Apple's upcoming smart glasses, internally designated N50, have seen their launch schedule adjusted. The device's introduction, initially targeted for late 2026, is now planned for WWDC 2027. This delay stems from ongoing discussions and refinement of privacy features, a critical area for smart eyewear.

The N50 smart glasses are designed to offer hands-free Siri, music playback, and phone calls. A key focus is the integration of AI-powered camera functions for analyzing surroundings, though its exact capabilities for capturing photos and videos remain under review.

Company executives are reportedly dedicating significant effort to crafting Apple's privacy narrative. Unlike some existing smart glasses that have faced criticism for potential unauthorized recording, Apple aims to implement strong safeguards. This includes prioritizing on-device processing for AI features and avoiding practices like facial recognition.

Further privacy measures being considered involve not using recorded video for AI training or sharing it with third-party contractors. Apple has also explored limiting the camera's functionality strictly to AI analysis rather than direct photo or video capture, even testing prototypes without a camera.

Despite these considerations, the ability to record first-person content is seen as a primary appeal for smart glasses. The product is now expected to ship by the end of 2027, a shift from its earlier anticipated release next year.