Apple is getting serious in the race for smart glasses: according to a recent report by Bloomberg insider Mark Gurman, the company is currently testing at least four different frame designs for its upcoming smart glasses project. The goal is clear – a rival product to the popular Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. A launch is expected in 2027 and the first unveiling could take place this year.
- Four eyewear designs in development: two square and two oval or round variants in different sizes
- Colors under review: black, ocean blue and light brown
- No AR display – focus is on camera, microphone, speaker and AI features such as Siri and Visual Intelligence
- Apple Watch chip as the technological basis; cameras in an oval pattern with visible indicator lights for more privacy
Four designs, several colors – Apple focuses on style diversity
As Gurman reports in his “Power On” newsletter, Apple is currently testing four different frame shapes:
- A wide, angular frame in the style of the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer
- A slimmer, angular version – similar to the glasses worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook himself
- A larger oval or round frame
- A smaller, more elegant oval version
Apple is apparently planning to launch several of these designs on the market at the same time – in different color combinations such as black, ocean blue and light brown. This strategy is strongly reminiscent of the Apple Watch launch in 2015, when Apple offered a wide selection of cases and straps from the outset in order to appeal to as many tastes as possible. The overarching goal: an unmistakable Apple design that should become just as iconic as the AirPods or iPhone.
What the Apple Smart Glasses should be able to do
Unlike the Vision Pro, the upcoming Smart Glasses are not an augmented reality device. Apple is deliberately opting for a classic eyewear look without an integrated display – meaning that AR is reserved for the Vision Pro line. Instead, they are a type of hybrid wearable: the glasses are said to have built-in cameras, microphones and speakers that can be used to make phone calls, play music and take photos and videos.
The AI integration is particularly interesting: with Siri and Apple’s Visual Intelligence, the glasses should be able to analyze the environment, display information and respond to voice commands – similar to what the iPhone already does with its camera AI. Internally, the project runs under the code name “N50” and relies on a modified Apple Watch chip that is optimized for minimal energy consumption. The front cameras are arranged in an oval pattern and surrounded by visible indicator lights – a clear signal to the outside world when the camera is active and therefore a conscious statement in terms of data protection.
Strong competitor Meta – and Apple’s answer
With its Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, Meta has shown that smart glasses can be suitable for the masses. The device combines fashionable design with practical features and has established itself as a surprisingly popular product. Apple is still lagging behind Meta in the smart glasses segment – but the company hopes to make the decisive difference with its reputation for superior design and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. The fact that Apple is planning several designs from the outset underlines this approach: while Meta is relying on a partnership with an established eyewear manufacturer, Apple wants to control the design completely itself.
Conclusion
Apple’s smart glasses are taking shape: Four designs, multiple colors and a clear AI focus point to a serious competitor product to the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. A launch is planned for 2027, with the first presentation possibly taking place in 2026. There are no price details yet – however, given Apple’s premium positioning, it can be assumed that the glasses will be priced above the entry-level price of the Ray-Ban Meta (from around 329 euros)
