Apple’s AR smart glasses are rumored to arrive in 2026 – with microLED technology
Meta’s impressive demo of its Orion AR glasses has got us interested in augmented reality specs again, and a little bit of buzz has come our way suggesting that Apple could have its own device in this category by 2026 – including microLED- technology.
This comes from a tipster @Jukanlosreve (via Wccftech), who has quite a reputation for leaks (although that was under a different username). The source says Apple has “not yet given up on microLED technology,” which it has been exploring for several years now.
The technology combines the brightness of microLED with the deep blacks of OLED, making it superior to both existing display technologies. It’s also very difficult and expensive to manufacture, which is why we haven’t seen it on smaller gadgets until now.
As our section on microLED TVs will tell you, this is an innovation that has shown potential for years – but again, the problem is getting prices so low that people will actually be available to afford these devices.
Specifications are appealing
Apple has not given up on Micro LED technology.1. They are preparing Micro LED for AR glasses, mass production of which is expected in 2026.2. The plan to include Micro LED in the Apple Watch Ultra is also still in place, with a target launch in 2026.October 5, 2024
According to this tipster, the Apple Watch Ultra should also have a microLED display. Somewhat surprisingly, we didn’t get an Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year, so we’re not sure what number Apple plans to deliver in a few years.
When it comes to the Apple Glasses, we’ve had several waves of rumors about these AR specs in recent years. The previous estimate for a launch window was 2027, so it’s possible that Apple has accelerated the development of this new device.
Last year it was announced that Apple’s AR glasses had been postponed indefinitely, with the focus shifting to a cheaper VR headset. It’s possible that Meta’s success with the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses has changed Apple’s thinking in this regard.
There’s also the Apple Vision Pro, of course: the mixed reality headset is very powerful and very expensive, and hasn’t sold in large numbers, and Apple may want to launch something smaller and more affordable next.