Everything we hear suggests that Apple Glasses are a very long way off. That doesn't mean Apple can't tease us with a premonition of the news in its upcoming WWDC 2021 keynote. But is it really just for fun?

The conference teaser video features Apple's animated character opening a MacBook. But in doing so, it appears as if many apps are flashing on the character's glasses. As if she were wearing AR glasses.

Obviously, some people are excited, meaning that Apple may reveal more details about the long-awaited Apple Glasses. Current rumors suggest that it will not appear until at least 2022, possibly 2023.

However, it could also be a reflection of the app in the MacBook menu bar. In fact, given the fact that we are waiting a very long time for Apple Glasses to appear, that seems more likely; Apple does not typically announce or preview its products in advance.

As it happened when Apple made grand promises about AirPower. It happened because Apple bit off more than it could chew and made the mistake of telling people about it in advance.

Similarly, the 2013 Mac Pro was pre-announced. The machine, and its trashy design, was less well received than its predecessor, but that had nothing to do with Tim Cook's premature misstep. Still, there is a very big difference between an updated Mac Pro and launching unfinished technology that is trying to do what no one else has been able to accomplish.

Will Apple talk about AR at WWDC? Almost certainly. CEO Tim Cook has long said that AR is something Apple is interested in "long term," and over the past few years Apple has been bringing newer and better AR features to the iPhone and iPad. We absolutely expect Apple to mention the ARKit improvements that will be included in iOS 15.

There is an Apple VR and mixed reality headset that is rumored to be coming sometime next year. The purpose of the headset is said to be to pave the way for Apple Glasses, give developers time to work on AR, and ensure solid app support at launch. However, the mixed reality headset also needs apps, and if a 2022 launch is indeed planned, now may be the time to get developers on board.

Of course, I could be wrong. Apple could pull out the Apple Glasses prototype and tease us about what they intend to do with the technology. But that is completely out of the ordinary, and the idea that the WWDC keynote might include the unveiling of Apple Glasses seems like wishful thinking.

But we will find out on June 7, when the WWDC keynote opens the conference in earnest.