Imagine this, you’re sitting in a coffee shop. The smell of fresh coffee and warm pastries fills the air. You pull out your iPhone, scroll through Instagram, double-tap your friend’s vacation photo, then open Threads to see what people are talking about.
Now picture this instead, you don’t even take your phone out of your pocket. You just look through a pair of smart glasses, and right in front of your eyes appear your Reels, your messages and your news feed.
Sounds futuristic, right? That’s exactly what Meta wants to create. Apple, on the other hand, still controls everything you see on your iPhone through the App Store. And this is where the rivalry heats up.
The App Store Power Play
Back in 2022, at the New York Times Dealbook Summit, Mark Zuckerberg said:
“Apple’s App Store is the only place where one company has full control over what apps people can download.”
In other words, every app on your iPhone must follow Apple’s rules, fees, and final approval. So if Meta wants to roll out new features on Instagram, Facebook, or Threads, they must play by Apple’s rules.
Apple argues these rules protect users. Meta argues they block innovation and limit choice.
When Glasses Replace the Phone
Here’s the big shift, what if video calls, Instagram Reels, and Threads scrolling all happen directly through smart glasses?
That would cut Apple’s App Store out of the equation. Meta could build its own platform where it controls updates, apps, and the full user experience.
RELETED NEWS – Apple Just Dropped Its Biggest iPhone Security Update Ever
It’s similar to how:
Nintendo Switch created its own world of gaming.
Tesla built its own charging network.
Meta wants that same level of control, but for social browsing.
The Reality Check
A Meta employee, Otto, summed it up well:
“I use Facebook, Instagram, Reels and Threads, all on my iPhone. Not on a laptop. Not on smart glasses.”
And that’s the truth. Today, our phones are still king. They’re always with us, easy to use, and reliable.
For smart glasses to take over, they need to fix some big problems: comfort, battery life, design, and privacy.
Market Trends and Research
1. AR and Smart Glass Growth – Augmented reality is growing fast. Meta already launched Ray-Ban Stories, where you can take photos, share to Instagram, and listen to music.
2. Consumer Resistance – Price, battery, looks, and safety are big barriers. Surveys show people want glasses that are stylish and practical.
3. Regulation – Europe’s Digital Markets Act is already challenging Apple’s monopoly.
4. User Habits – We still spend most of our time on phones. To win, glasses must offer something clearly better.
Meta’s Playbook
Partner with fashion brands so the glasses look stylish.
Longer battery life and lightweight design.
Build its own app ecosystem so glasses aren’t just a second screen but the main screen.
Strong privacy protections to gain trust.
Smart pricing, both affordable and premium models.
Why Apple Won’t Sit Quiet
Apple won’t give up control easily. If Meta’s glasses gain popularity, the App Store’s power weakens.
That’s why Apple is already pushing into AR/VR with the Vision Pro and could eventually launch AR glasses of its own.
Real-Life Example
My friend robert, who works in advertising, tried out a startup’s AR glasses. His calendar, notifications and even Instagram stories popped up right in front of his eyes.
But after an hour:
His forehead felt hot.
The battery didn’t last half a day.
People stared at him when he wore them outside.
His verdict? “Very cool experience, but not ready for real life.”
My Take
Meta is on the right track. Owning the hardware and platform could unlock amazing new experiences.
But phones are still unbeatable for now. They’re simple, familiar, and comfortable. Until smart glasses solve issues like battery, cost, design, and comfort, smartphones will stay on top.
Why This Matters to You
Right now, the tech you use your phone, laptop, or headset is controlled by big companies. If Meta succeeds, maybe Apple’s strict App Store rules won’t matter as much.
But new risks come too: privacy, comfort, and trust because this tech will be literally right in front of your eyes.
Final Thoughts
Meta vs Apple isn’t just a business rivalry, it’s a battle over our future lifestyle.
Today, phones rule. Tomorrow, it could be glasses.
So keep an eye on:
What new products launch?
How laws challenge Big Tech’s control.
And ask yourself: Would glasses really be more convenient than my phone?
Right now, smartphones still dominate. But the stage could change faster than we think and when it does, our whole digital world will look completely different.
