Apple smart glasses surface in supplier's earnings briefing
A Chinese equipment maker says it is working on Apple's rumoured AI glasses and new earphones, while reports point to a late 2027 launch for the glasses.
Key takeaways
- Quick Intelligent Equipment said at its quarterly earnings briefing that it works on Apple's glasses and earphones projects, per a Securities Times report.
- Apple's first smart glasses are rumoured for a late 2027 launch with translation and surroundings features.
- AirPods with cameras are reportedly planned alongside the 20th-anniversary iPhone.
- Apple has not confirmed any of these products or dates.
In this article
Supplier points to glasses work
Apple's rumoured smart glasses were mentioned in an earnings briefing held by a Chinese supplier, according to MacRumors, which cites a Securities Times report. The supplier, Quick Intelligent Equipment, makes machine vision inspection equipment used in manufacturing.
During the briefing for its quarterly results, the company said it is taking part in Apple's glasses project and a related earphones project. It suggested both products could increase demand for its inspection equipment.
What the reports claim about the products
The glasses are reportedly aimed at a launch in late 2027. They are expected to answer questions about what the wearer is looking at and to translate languages in real time.
Separately, Apple is said to be working on AirPods with built-in cameras. Those earphones are reported to arrive alongside the iPhone marking Apple's 20th anniversary. These details come from MacRumors' reporting and remain unconfirmed by Apple.
Why it matters
Apple rarely comments on unreleased products, so remarks from supply chain companies are often treated as early signs of development. The supplier's comments, if accurate, suggest the glasses and camera-equipped AirPods are far enough along for production planning.
Readers should treat the timing and features as rumours until Apple makes an announcement. No official launch details exist at this point.
Sources
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