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A company in Apple's supply chain is speaking by name about the AI glasses. A Chinese machine manufacturer says in its quarterly earnings call that it is involved in the project – and also in new earbuds.
Until now, almost everything known about Apple's first glasses came from reports with unnamed sources. According to these reports, the first model is expected to be released at the end of 2027, without a display, but with AI capabilities. Now, the overall picture of Apple Glasses is getting a voice from within the industry itself.
According to a report in the Chinese business newspaper Securities Times on November 10, equipment supplier Quick Intelligent Equipment stated in its third quarter results presentation that it is already involved in Apple's projects for AI glasses and new smart earphones.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Quick Intelligent Equipment, a Shanghai-listed equipment supplier, cites Apple's AI glasses and new earphones as ongoing projects.
- The company does not build components, but manufacturing systems: precision soldering systems and devices for optical inspection.
- The company does not provide a timeline, quantities, or product details.
- Whether the earbuds in question are AirPods with cameras remains an interpretation.
What the company said
The statement was made during the third-quarter earnings presentation. According to the Securities Times, the company expects its involvement in both Apple projects to provide a boost to, among other things, two business areas: precision soldering and component joining equipment, and automated visual inspection systems.
The report contains no further information. Quick Intelligent provides no date for when the equipment is expected to be operational in Apple's production facilities, nor does it specify the order volume or a manufacturing partner. The remainder of the report focuses on the order backlog and equipment for semiconductors, optical communications, and data centers.
A supplier of equipment, not a component supplier
Quick Intelligent doesn't supply chips, lenses, or batteries, but rather the machines used to solder such components and then optically inspect them. The Changzhou-based company generates the majority of its revenue from precision soldering systems, followed by inspection systems. These machines are used in the production of smartphones, wearables, and automotive electronics, among other things. According to an analyst report from May 2026, the company's laser systems are already in mass production of Meta-Glasses.
That's precisely what makes this statement interesting. Anyone supplying manufacturing equipment for a product is involved in a phase where production lines are planned and equipped. For eyeglasses with electronics, microphones, and a battery packed into a very small space, precise solder joints and seamless optical inspection are crucial.
Glasses yes, camera AirPods open
The company clearly names the glasses. Regarding the earbuds, they refer to them as „new smart earbuds,“ not cameras. It's reasonable to assume they're referring to AirPods with cameras, but this isn't explicitly stated.
Reports indicate that two competing versions of these AirPods are in development. The market launch is expected in 2027, coinciding with the anniversary iPhone. However, new earbuds without a camera would also be covered by the wording.
The reliability of this information is higher than that of a leak: A publicly traded company speaks by name in an official investor meeting. At the same time, the account is brief and comes from a newspaper, not from company minutes.
How far Apple's glasses have already come
I consider this statement the most tangible sign yet that Apple is moving the glasses from development to manufacturing. A manufacturer of soldering and testing equipment isn't needed for a concept on paper, but for production lines.
However, this statement says nothing about the timeline for the end of 2027: A lot of time can pass between equipping a production line and starting series production. For investors, mentioning a prominent customer also serves as self-promotion.
Would you wear Apple glasses without a display but with AI features, or would you rather wait for a model with a display embedded in the lens? Let us know in the comments what feature would make glasses interesting to you.
