Apple's Future: Hints on Smart Glasses, AI, and Foldables

In the notoriously opaque world of Apple, where product roadmaps are guarded secrets, subtle pronouncements from its top executives often serve as the most telling clues about future innovations. CEO Tim Cook, a master of measured communication, has recently conveyed an unprecedented level of excitement about the company’s upcoming product pipeline, signaling a transformative period ahead that spans smart glasses, advanced AI, and the long-anticipated foldable iPhone.

Apple’s foray into spatial computing began with the 2024 launch of the Vision Pro, a high-end device Cook describes as merely the “early innings of AR,” with promises of continued improvement. Indeed, the company remains “very focused” on visionOS, the operating system for the Vision Pro, with recent updates like visionOS 26 introducing Spatial Widgets and more lifelike Personas, enhancing the digital experience. While the Vision Pro, with its $3,500 starting price, is positioned as an early adopter’s device, Apple is also reportedly developing more accessible, AI-focused smart glasses. These anticipated glasses, potentially launching in 2026 or 2027, are expected to be lightweight, display-free, and primarily centered on AI and audio functionalities, enabling users to capture moments, play music, and interact via voice commands, much like existing smart eyewear on the market. This move aligns with Cook’s long-held belief that augmented reality is “critically important” to Apple’s future, envisioning a world where digital overlays enhance real-world interactions.

Artificial intelligence stands as a paramount focus for Apple, with Cook emphatically stating, “Apple must do this, Apple will do this. This is sort of ours to grab,” and boldly predicting AI’s impact will surpass that of smartphones, apps, and even the internet. The company’s answer to the generative AI surge, Apple Intelligence, debuted in October 2024, promising to reshape user interaction across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. However, the rollout has not been without its challenges, as key features, including a more capable and personalized Siri, have faced delays. To overcome these hurdles, Apple is reportedly rebuilding Siri’s architecture and is even exploring partnerships with leading AI model providers like OpenAI and Anthropic, leveraging its secure Private Cloud Compute system. Further solidifying its AI ambitions, Apple has acquired approximately seven smaller firms in 2025, strategically enhancing its on-device Neural Engine for faster and more private AI processing. Cook also indicated an openness to acquiring larger generative AI companies, underscoring the aggressive pursuit of AI leadership. These AI-driven advancements are not expected to sideline the iPhone but rather complement it, with Cook hinting at new “complementary devices” that integrate deeper AI.

Perhaps one of the most eagerly awaited developments is the foldable iPhone, with a growing consensus pointing to a late 2026 or early 2027 debut. Analysts like JPMorgan forecast a September 2026 launch as part of the iPhone 18 lineup, potentially priced around $1,999. Rumors suggest a book-style folding mechanism, featuring a nearly crease-free 7.8-inch internal display complemented by a 5.5-inch outer screen, all housed within a durable titanium chassis. Software enhancements, possibly within iOS 27, are expected to optimize the user experience for the dual-screen form factor. Apple’s deliberate “wait-and-perfect” strategy, observed in its approach to foldables, aims to refine the technology and address durability concerns before a mainstream launch, setting it apart from competitors who rushed to market. While a smaller foldable iPhone appears to be on track, a larger, 18.8-inch foldable device, envisioned as a MacBook-iPad hybrid, has reportedly encountered engineering challenges, pushing its potential release to 2027.

Apple’s future product landscape, as hinted by its leadership, is a blend of ambitious new categories and significant enhancements to existing ones, all underpinned by a robust AI strategy. The company is not merely iterating but appears to be laying the groundwork for a new era of interconnected, intelligent devices, carefully timing its entries into nascent markets to ensure a polished, impactful arrival.