Apple will release new software in December, but we don’t expect new hardware until 2026 – this will then be the most important Apple product.
The most important Apple product of 2026
It’s not often that Apple launches products in completely new categories. Every year the company releases a ton of new hardware, but generally it releases updated iPhones, iPads, Macs, and products in other existing lines. The last ‘new’ product category to be added was the Apple Vision Pro.
Rumors indicate that a completely new introduction may be coming in 2026: Apple Glasses (or Glass). Although the product will probably not come to market until 2027, reports Bloomberg that Apple Glasses could be unveiled as a sneak preview this year. And then it is immediately the most important Apple product of 2026.
The introduction of a brand new product category attracts a lot of attention anyway, but Apple Glasses could become extra popular for two additional reasons. Firstly, it might make smart glasses more mainstream. Secondly, this is Apple’s first product fully focused on AI.
Apple may make smart glasses more mainstream
Although smart glasses are becoming more popular, they are still in their infancy. Ray Ban Meta is currently the market leader. Yet it is still a niche product for early adopters. The launch of Apple Glasses could make the category a lot more popular. Apple has a strong track record in this area. The iPod, iPad and Apple Watch weren’t the first products in their categories, but they certainly contributed to their success.
Apple Glasses could do the same, although that’s of course not guaranteed. The product could also follow in the footsteps of the Apple Vision Pro, which hasn’t had as big an impact on the VR market as expected. A big advantage, however, is that Apple Glasses will become a lot cheaper and will be marketed as an iPhone accessory.
The first Apple product fully focused on AI
Another reason why the product will get a lot of attention is that this is the first Apple product that is completely focused on AI. Apple’s smart glasses, unlike other products, will rely heavily on Siri and AI features, and it’s a hardware category that didn’t exist before AI. The powerful AI upgrades coming soon to Siri are likely a big part of the Apple Glasses experience.
So Apple Glasses will attract attention for several reasons: a brand new product category, with the potential to make smart glasses mainstream, and the first Apple product fully focused on AI. It remains to be seen whether this attention will also lead to success. Don’t want to miss any of it? Then sign up for our newsletter!
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