Apple's much-anticipated smart glasses project, codenamed N50, is still years away from market readiness according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. While the tech giant has demonstrated impressive miniaturization capabilities with products like AirPods and Apple Watch, their augmented reality eyewear faces significant development hurdles.

Gurman reveals the N50 glasses would utilize "Apple Intelligence" to analyze surroundings and provide contextual information to wearers. However, they won't offer full augmented reality capabilities initially. "The project isn't anywhere near ready," Gurman states, noting there's no confirmed timeline for release despite Apple's patent filings and prototype testing.

Image Source Note: Image generated by AI, licensed through Midjourney.

In parallel development, Apple is working on camera-equipped AirPods with similar environmental analysis features. Gurman suggests these could complement smart glasses rather than compete, as many consumers resist wearing headphones all day. Both projects reflect Apple's cautious approach to new product categories - neither is considered market-ready.

Meanwhile, Meta is charging ahead in the smart glasses race. The social media giant aims to launch a premium model by October 2025 priced above $1,000. This next-generation device would feature a small display capable of running basic apps and viewing photos - a significant upgrade from Meta's current Ray-Ban collaboration models.

Internal pressure at Meta is intense according to Gurman's sources. Employees have reportedly been working overtime to meet the aggressive timeline, though some acknowledge a "small risk of delays." This push highlights Meta's determination to establish dominance in what it sees as a crucial future platform.

The contrasting approaches reveal fundamental differences in corporate strategy. While Apple prioritizes polish and ecosystem integration, Meta appears willing to accept earlier iterations to gain market position. For consumers anticipating mainstream AR glasses, the wait continues - but competition between these tech titans may ultimately accelerate innovation.

Key Points

1. Apple's N50 smart glasses remain in early development with no confirmed release date
2. Meta plans a high-end smart glasses launch targeting October 2025 at $1000+ price point
3. Both companies see environmental analysis as key functionality for next-gen wearables
4. Development pace reflects differing corporate philosophies about product readiness