As someone who reviews technology for Aestumanda, I get to try out some of the latest gadgets. Of all the tech I’ve tested in 2024, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses stand out as my personal gadget of the year. They’re sleek, accessible, and so practical they’ve quickly become a part of my daily routine.
But as much as I admire what Meta has achieved, the Apple fan boy in me can’t help but wonder: when will Apple release its own smart glasses?
Apple smart glasses have been a long-standing rumour in the tech world. But as the success of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses has shown, there’s much Apple can learn to deliver a product that excels in accessibility, style, and everyday usability.
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses were launched in 2023 as part of a collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban, featuring advanced hands-free capabilities and a stylish design. Meta’s official announcement provides an in-depth look at their features.
When I reviewed the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses for Aestumanda, I was blown away by their accessibility and convenience. With hands-free voice controls, open-ear speakers, and a built-in 12MP camera, these glasses make everyday tasks like taking photos, videos, sending messages, and accessing information effortless—even for disabled people like myself.
Priced at £299, they manage to combine cutting-edge technology with affordability and style, making them a standout product in the growing wearable technology market.
While Apple smart glasses remain a rumoured product, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are a tangible success story in the wearable tech space. This post explores how Apple could take inspiration from Ray-Ban Meta to deliver an innovative and accessible product when their glasses eventually launch.
The Apple smart glasses rumours are heating up
Unlike the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which are a well-established product, Apple smart glasses remain speculative, but recent reports suggest we could see a launch as early as 2026. Unlike Apple’s high-end Vision Pro headset, these glasses are expected to focus on everyday use, leveraging iPhone integration and microLED technology for augmented reality (AR) features.
But with competitors like Ray-Ban Meta setting a high bar, Apple has a lot to prove.
Six lessons: what Apple vs Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses teach us
If Apple wants to compete successfully in the future, it must take inspiration from Ray-Ban Meta’s success and focus on accessibility, affordability, and user-centric features.
While we can’t compare directly, examining Ray-Ban Meta’s achievements highlights areas Apple should focus on when developing its smart glasses:
1. Accessibility should be non-negotiable
One of the biggest selling points of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses is their accessibility. Voice controls powered by Meta AI make them a lifeline for disabled people and anyone who values hands-free functionality. Apple’s smart glasses must deliver a similar experience, leveraging Siri, Apple Intelligence, and its ecosystem to provide a seamless, intuitive interface.
Check out this short video of how I use Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses hands-free to capture moments outside Tate Britain in London.
With limited use of my upper limbs, I’ve previously written about how the hands-free functionality of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses has been a game-changer for me. For the first time, they’ve enabled me to independently capture and share my own photos and videos.
For blind and visually impaired users, the integration of Meta AI and the Be My Eyes app makes the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses equally transformative. With hands-free access to real-time assistance, these glasses help users navigate environments, identify objects, and gain greater independence.
2. Stylish design matters
Ray-Ban’s collaboration with Meta resulted in eyewear that looks as good as it functions. Apple is no stranger to combining style and tech, but their smart glasses must feel comfortable and lightweight to appeal to a mass audience.
3. Affordable pricing will expand market reach
At £299, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses are priced to attract a wide audience. While Apple is known for its premium pricing, offering a more accessible entry-level model could help them dominate the market.
4. Leverage the power of the Apple ecosystem
Ray-Ban Meta’s integration with Facebook and Instagram adds value for social media enthusiasts. Apple’s strength lies in its ecosystem. Seamless compatibility with iPhones, Apple Music, Apple Intelligence, and Siri could make their smart glasses indispensable.
5. The role of AI in smart glasses: what Apple must deliver
The integration of Meta AI in the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses showcases how artificial intelligence can elevate wearable technology. With features like real-time object recognition, hands-free commands, and contextual assistance, Meta AI transforms the glasses into more than just a gadget—it becomes a tool for accessibility and convenience. As Apple develops its smart glasses, it must seize the opportunity to create one of its first truly groundbreaking products in the AI era. By embedding advanced Apple Intelligence features, such as Siri-powered contextual understanding and seamless integration with its ecosystem, Apple can redefine what smart glasses can achieve, blending practicality with innovation.
6. Focus on practical features over gimmicks.
Meta succeeded because it prioritised practical features—camera functionality, voice interface, and open-ear audio—over flashy AR capabilities. Apple should ensure their glasses provide everyday value before chasing futuristic AR goals. Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses could get a display next year but I would encourage Apple to get the basics right first, including decent battery life, before adding a display for augmented reality.
What Apple can bring to the table
As much as I love the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, they’re not perfect. Their integration with Meta’s ecosystem can feel limiting, and their audio quality could use a boost. Apple has an opportunity to improve on these shortcomings while bringing its trademark polish to the market.
By learning from Ray-Ban Meta’s success and leveraging its own strengths, Apple could create a product that redefines wearable technology for accessibility and everyday use. Areas Apple will excel at are ecosystem integration, camera tech, sound technology for music, calls and message readout, and battery life.
Conclusion
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses set a high standard for accessibility, style, and affordability. But as an Apple fan, I can’t help but hope that the Cupertino tech giant will take these lessons to heart and deliver something even better.
As rumours of Apple smart glasses gain traction, the potential for innovation is immense. By taking inspiration from Ray-Ban Meta’s success, Apple could turn these dreams into a revolutionary reality.
Learn more about the features of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and how they set a benchmark for Apple’s future innovations here.
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