The speculation surrounding Apple's potential move into smart glasses is growing. The company reportedly is working with employees internally to learn more about smart glasses currently on the market, according to Bloomberg. Apple is expected to develop smart glasses that are designed with broader mass-market appeal than its Vision Pro headset.
The effort, which is code-named Atlas, involves recruiting Apple employees to learn about current smart glasses and gather their feedback, the report said. The program reportedly started in late October.
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"Testing and developing products that all can come to love is very important to what we do at Apple," the group wrote in an email to some employees, according to Bloomberg. "This is why we are looking for participants to join us in an upcoming user study with current market smart glasses."
It's not uncommon for Apple and other tech companies to host internal focus groups ahead of product development. Internal research like this doesn't guarantee they'll ever see the light of day. But the study is another sign of Apple's interest in this area.
Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
In October, news circulated about Apple's exploration into potential new product lines, including smart glasses to rival Meta's Ray-Ban models. The products are expected to launch in 2027.Â
Apple currently sells the $3,500 Vision Pro headset, which has remained a niche product. The smart glasses would likely hit a significantly lower price point. Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, equipped with cameras and AI, are priced beginning at $299, have received solid reviews.Â