Apple Reportedly Testing Multiple Smart Glasses Designs Ahead of 2027 Launch

Apple Inc. is actively working on its first generation of smart glasses, and new reports suggest the company is experimenting with several design variations as it prepares for a potential launch in the coming years.

According to insights from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple is currently testing multiple prototypes featuring different camera lens shapes, frame styles, and color finishes.

Multiple Designs Under Consideration

Apple’s design team is said to be exploring at least four distinct styles, aiming to create a product that is both functional and instantly recognizable.

Some of the rumored styles include:

• A bold rectangular frame similar to Ray-Ban Wayfarer
• A slimmer rectangular design inspired by the eyewear of Tim Cook
• Larger oval or circular frames
• A more refined and compact oval/circular option

These variations suggest Apple is focusing heavily on fashion and everyday usability, not just technology.

Focus on Audio, AI, and Camera — Not Displays

Unlike high-end AR headsets such as Apple Vision Pro, Apple’s first smart glasses are expected to skip displays entirely.

Instead, the device will likely focus on:

• Capturing photos and videos
• Making phone calls
• Playing music
• Delivering notifications
• Interacting with an advanced AI assistant (a next-gen version of Siri expected in iOS 27)

This approach is similar to products developed by Meta Platforms in collaboration with Ray-Ban and Oakley.

New Camera Design and Premium Materials

One notable difference is Apple’s reported camera design. Instead of circular lenses like Meta’s glasses, Apple is testing vertically oriented oval camera lenses with surrounding lights, giving the device a more futuristic look.

In terms of build quality, Apple may use acetate, a higher-end material compared to the standard thermoplastics used in many current smart glasses.

Color options under consideration reportedly include:

• Black
• Ocean Blue
• Light Brown
• Additional custom finishes

Part of a Bigger AI Wearables Strategy

These smart glasses are not a standalone project. Reports suggest they are part of Apple’s broader “three-pronged AI wearables strategy.”

This ecosystem may include:

• Smart glasses with cameras
• A camera-equipped necklace
• Next-generation AirPods

Apple is aiming for a unified and “instantly recognizable” design language across all these products, internally referred to as “Icon.”

A Shift From Apple’s Original AR Vision

Apple’s current direction marks a shift from its earlier augmented reality ambitions. Nearly a decade ago, the company explored multiple categories, including:

• Standalone AR glasses
• A premium mixed reality headset
• iPhone-connected AR devices with controllers

So far, Apple has only released versions of Apple Vision Pro, while true AR glasses are still believed to be years away.

Expected Release Timeline

The smart glasses project, internally known as N50, is rumored to launch:

• Late 2026 or early 2027 (possible window)
• Official unveiling likely in 2027

Industry experts believe this will be Apple’s first step into everyday wearable AI devices, paving the way for more advanced AR products in the future.