Despite its technological prowess, Apple’s Vision Pro is being viewed as a commercial failure. While it works as promised and delivers a somewhat magical experience, its high price and the lack of a supportive ecosystem have deterred consumers from purchasing it.

In response, Apple is planning to bounce back in 2026 with its first pair of smart glasses. Renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has indicated that Apple is set to launch these smart glasses in 2026.

This development is seen as Apple’s attempt to compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. Production of numerous prototypes is expected to commence by the end of this year.

While one might anticipate a direct rivalry with Meta, the recent launch of Android XR could mean that Apple is also positioning itself against Google’s smart glasses initiatives. The anticipated smart glasses will feature integrated cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling users to engage with their environment and interact with Siri.

A critical factor will be the performance of Siri, which should ideally be upgraded to enhance user experience by the launch date. If not, users might find communicating with the current version of Siri less than satisfactory.

Nonetheless, the upcoming smart glasses do not signal the end of the Vision Pro. Reports suggest that Apple is developing two new versions of the headset: one that is lighter and more affordable, and another that is tethered for connection to devices like the Mac.

While both the Vision Pro and smart glasses share a common concept, they cater to different audiences. The smart glasses are designed for everyday use, while the Vision Pro aims for a more immersive experience, targeting home users.

The pricing for the smart glasses remains unclear, but for them to succeed commercially, they would need to be priced lower than the Vision Pro.