Kuo: Apple May Release Augmented Reality Contact Lenses in 2030s

In a research note shared with MacRumors, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today predicted that Apple will release augmented reality "contact lenses" in the 2030s. Kuo said the lenses will bring electronics from the era of "visible computing" to "invisible computing."

smart contact lens

Mojo Vision smart contact lens

Kuo said the lenses are "unlikely to have independent computing power and storage," suggesting that they might rely on a connection to an iPhone or other device, but he did not offer any further details. Kuo said there is "no visibility" for this product currently, so this sounds more like a moonshot prediction rather than a guaranteed product.

Apple's contact lenses could provide a lightweight augmented reality experience without the need to wear glasses or a headset. In simple terms, augmented reality overlays digital information over a real-world view; for example, a person walking in an outdoor shopping plaza could easily view each store's hours of operation.

In the more immediate future, Kuo said Apple plans to release its long-rumored mixed reality headset "in mid-2022," followed by augmented reality glasses by 2025. For more details about these products, read our earlier coverage.

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Top Rated Comments

neilw Avatar
61 months ago
A prediction about what Apple might release in the 30s is so absurdly pointless. I mean, really.
Score: 96 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HeavenDynamic Avatar
61 months ago
"hey, look at this!
- hold on, I'm updating my eyes"
Score: 67 Votes (Like | Disagree)
krfr Avatar
61 months ago
I mean, we can come up with about anything and say “Apple may release in 10+ years”
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DHagan4755 Avatar
61 months ago
15 years from now...

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Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
twocents Avatar
61 months ago
Can’t imagine these not being called Apple Lens. I prefer iSight though lol...
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
serpico007 Avatar
61 months ago

AR with nothing in 2070
Probably be dead by then. Hope it works out for you youngsters.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)