May 22 (Reuters) - Apple ( AAPL ) plans to release smart glasses at the end of next

year, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, in the iPhone maker's latest push to diversify its

product lineup and boost demand for its artificial intelligence devices.

Apple ( AAPL ) will start producing large quantities of prototypes of the devices at the end of this

year with overseas suppliers, the report said, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

Apple ( AAPL ) did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The company's push into facewear comes after its Vision Pro headset saw lukewarm reception

from the public due to its hefty price tag and lack of AI features.

Apple's ( AAPL ) new glasses will compete with Facebook-parent Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses,

which have become popular with consumers.

Apple ( AAPL ) also shelved plans for a smartwatch that can analyze its surroundings with a built-in

camera, the report said.

The company had actively been working to release a camera-equipped Apple Watch by 2027, but

that work was shut down, the report added.