Apple’s Next-Gen Smart Glasses May Feature Dual Modes for Mac and iPhone Integration

Apple’s upcoming smart glasses are shaping up to be far more dynamic than earlier prototypes suggested. According to new details shared in Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, the company is developing a second-generation model capable of switching between two operating modes based on the device it’s paired with, one designed for the Mac and another for the iPhone.

When connected to a Mac, the glasses are said to support a full version of visionOS, allowing users to experience desktop-class multitasking and immersive visuals directly through the lenses. Paired with an iPhone, the glasses would reportedly transition into a more lightweight, mobile-friendly interface optimized for quick interactions and real-world use.

This hybrid approach positions Apple’s glasses as a more versatile alternative to existing wearables like Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, which only recently gained in-lens display functionality. Unlike Meta’s current offering, Apple’s initial version, expected to be announced in 2026 before launching in 2027, will reportedly focus on audio, imaging, and health integration rather than full visual augmentation.

The first model will likely feature built-in speakers, onboard cameras for photos and video, and Siri-based voice control, setting the foundation for future display-enabled versions. With Apple now testing a system that blurs the line between wearable computing and mixed reality, the company seems to be laying the groundwork for a future where the Mac, iPhone, and eyewear work as one continuous ecosystem.