Kathmandu – Apple is reportedly in the final stages of developing its next-generation wearable: a featherlight AR glasses device that could debut globally by late 2026. According to recent reports from Bloomberg and MacRumors, Apple plans to begin large-scale prototype testing by the end of 2025, with a full-scale launch to follow shortly after.
This upcoming device—Apple’s answer to Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories—is expected to weigh just 40 grams and feature a micro-OLED waveguide display, projecting augmented visuals directly onto the lenses. Equipped with an integrated camera, microphone, and speaker, users will be able to take photos and videos, access real-time translation, and navigate using turn-by-turn AR guidance—all within their field of vision.
The smart glasses will rely on a low-power A-series chip and Wi-Fi 7 for seamless communication with iPhones, which will handle most of the processing to keep the glasses lightweight and power-efficient. Industry insiders believe the device is designed to bridge the gap between bulky AR headsets like the Vision Pro and more practical, day-to-day use.
Design plans include hiding the battery within the glasses’ temples, enabling up to two hours of continuous usage and the possibility of a “hot-swap” battery system. Apple is also experimenting with gesture sensors, similar to the haptic buttons seen on its smartwatches, for intuitive control.
While pricing details remain undisclosed, import duties could make the glasses more expensive in markets like Nepal compared to Meta’s offering. However, early adopters and AR developers in Nepal could benefit significantly. This device may unlock new possibilities for localized AR projects—from real-time Nepali language translation to augmented tourism experiences.
