Apple could remove the camera from your future smart glasses to avoid the privacy problems that surround this type of device. The company is also studying the option of maintain it, but completely limiting its ability to take photographs and record videosas reported by Mark Gurman in Bloomberg.
The hardware group Visionin charge of product development, has made privacy its top priority. Apple wants to differentiate its glasses from Meta’swhich are the first product in this category with relevant commercial success, but which also have raised suspicions due to the ease with which they allow other people to be recorded.
Meta glasses incorporate a small light that turns on when taking a photo or starting a recording. The system can stop the capture when it detects that this indicator has been covered or manipulated, but these measures have not prevented the device from having a questionable reputation in terms of privacy.
The main problems are due to the fact that the light is small and can go unnoticedespecially at a distance or in certain lighting conditions. The controversy increased with the dissemination of recordings made without consent and with demonstrations that They combined the glasses with external facial recognition systems to identify strangers and obtain personal information. Although Meta has strengthened protection measures, it has not managed to eliminate the feeling that someone may be recording without those around them noticing.
Apple alternatives
According to the media, Apple is studying two alternatives so as not to put at risk its image as a company focused on privacy. The first is to remove the camera completely. The glasses will continue to allow you to use artificial intelligence functions, listen to audio and make calls, but they will not be able to capture images of the environment. The company has already tested prototypes with this approach during the development of the device.
The second option maintains the camera, although it blocks the ability to take photographs or record videos. In this case, the sensor is used only for provide visual feedback to AI functionsso that the system can recognize objects or interpret the environment without storing images. It is also rumored that future AirPods with Apple’s camera they could incorporate a similar function.
The company seeks to reinforce the privacy of its smart glasses with processing on the device itself, without facial recognition and without a mode capable of continuously analyzing everything around the user. It will also prevent employees of contracting companies from reviewing the images captured by the glasses.
It is a situation that is reminiscent of what Apple already had with the AirTag. The locator was designed to find personal items, but it also ended up being used for following people without their consent and facilitating some thefts. The company had to introduce alerts and other protective measures after its launch.
Gurman points out that these doubts have caused a delay in the calendar. Apple initially planned to present its smart glasses at the end of this yearbut now think show them at their June 2027 developer conference. Its arrival on the market will not occur until end of that same year.