S33E01 · The Star of the Backstage · (2021)

AR Glasses Replace Smartphones

The Simpsons Episode · 2021
Augmented reality glasses become the primary personal communication device, replacing the smartphone.
What Really Happened · Pending
Still developing — not yet confirmed.

The Full Story

In 'The Star of the Backstage', Springfield residents are shown wearing augmented reality glasses as their default personal communication layer — hands-free, always-on digital overlays that have supplanted the smartphone as the primary interface with the world. Apple AR glasses were confirmed as Tim Cook's top product priority for 2026; Meta Ray-Ban Display launched at $799 and sold out immediately; Amazon entered the consumer AR market. The smartphone as we know it is entering its final decade, exactly as the episode depicted.

Analysis

HEATING UP: Apple AR glasses are Tim Cook's stated top priority, with a 2026 launch rumoured. Meta Ray-Ban Display launched at $799 and sold out. Amazon developing consumer AR glasses. Full smartphone replacement is still years away but the trajectory is clear.
Likelihood Score 80%
Based on current news velocity and publicly available signals.

By the Numbers

PENDING
Technology
S33E01
2021
Still pending…
Season 33

Sources & Further Reading

https://www.techtimes.com/articles/314643/20260214/apple-glasses-2026-ar-vr-smart-glasses-features-release-date-what-expect.htmhttps://glassalmanac.com/7-ar-glasses-and-moves-shaping-2026-heres-what-changes/
AR Glasses Replace Smartphones is one of 70 verified Simpsons predictions tracked by Springfield Oracle — a public database of documented cases where The Simpsons foreshadowed real-world events. This prediction appeared in S33E01 ("The Star of the Backstage"), which aired in 2021. It has not yet been confirmed.

Springfield Oracle collects and verifies every credible Simpsons prediction with primary source documentation. Submit a prediction or browse all 70 entries.
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