Just a few days prior, whispers emerged indicating that [Apple](https://mashable.com/category/apple) is cautiously [considering the possibility of introducing its own smart glasses](https://mashable.com/article/vision-pro-m5) sometime in the future. Now, it appears that the company is taking the notion more earnestly.

As reported by [Mark Gurman from Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-04/apple-explores-push-into-smart-glasses-with-atlas-user-study), Apple has launched a new initiative, codenamed “Atlas,” which aims to evaluate the competitive landscape and solicit feedback from its own staff about smart glasses.

While it remains uncertain whether Apple has commenced product development, the Atlas project is said to concentrate on “collecting insights from Apple employees,” with intentions for further focus groups to follow down the line. Bloomberg’s findings indicate that a tangible product may still be “years away.”

This tactic aligns with Apple’s customary approach of trialing new product categories internally before any public disclosures. By keeping initiatives under wraps, Apple can maintain confidentiality regarding its future endeavors.

Regarding the design of Apple’s potential smart glasses, specific details are still lacking. However, speculation suggests that the company might merge a simplified design of smart glasses — akin to [Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses](https://mashable.com/review/ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses) — with audio capabilities reminiscent of AirPods.

It is probable that Apple will closely scrutinize Meta’s recently announced [Orion smart glasses](https://mashable.com/article/meta-ar-glasses-reveal), which mirror standard eyewear yet permit users to engage with virtual elements superimposed on the physical world. Snap has also unveiled a new iteration of its augmented reality glasses, [Spectacles](https://newsroom.snap.com/sps-2024-spectacles-snapos), though neither Meta’s nor Snap’s offerings are anticipated to reach the market for several years.

Apple is familiar with mixed reality, having already introduced the [Vision Pro](https://mashable.com/video/apple-vision-pro-tech-and-specs), which has earned accolades as one of the [top headsets on the market](https://mashable.com/article/apple-vision-pro-reviews). However, its steep price and limited applications have resulted in a small user base. There are rumors of an [updated Vision Pro](https://mashable.com/article/vision-pro-m5) potentially launching next year, while a more budget-friendly model has been [postponed internally](https://x.com/mingchikuo/status/1853045198416490806).

Despite the Atlas project, there is currently no sign that Apple’s smart glasses will be released in the near future. For now, it seems that the Vision Pro — or an upgraded variant — will continue to be Apple’s principal mixed-reality device for the next few years.