Apple (AAPL) Smart Glasses Design Revealed: Taking on Meta in 2027

Key Highlights

• Apple has four prototype frame designs under evaluation for its AI-enabled smart glasses, known internally as N50.
• Frame variations span rectangular, oval, and circular styles with color options including black, ocean blue, and light brown.
• A distinctive vertically oriented oval camera lens surrounded by indicator lights is being tested.
• Premium acetate material will be used for frame construction, distinguishing it from standard plastic competitors.
• The company aims for a reveal in late 2026 or early 2027, with product availability by the end of 2027.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is actively working on its inaugural AI-powered smart glasses and is currently evaluating no fewer than four different frame prototypes.

The prototype collection features a broad rectangular frame reminiscent of classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers, a more streamlined rectangular variant, and two rounded options in both oval and circular configurations — available in larger and smaller sizes. Sources indicate the slimmer rectangular prototype bears a striking resemblance to the eyewear regularly worn by Apple’s CEO Tim Cook.

The tech giant intends to provide customers with several color choices, such as black, ocean blue, and light brown. Frame construction will utilize acetate, a superior and more resilient material compared to the conventional plastic employed by rival products.

The internal project designation for these glasses is N50.

Innovative Camera Technology Sets It Apart

Among the most noteworthy design elements Apple is considering is a camera configuration featuring vertically positioned oval lenses encircled by illumination elements. This approach diverges from the circular camera arrangement found in Meta’s Ray-Ban collaboration.

The integrated cameras will enable both photography and video recording capabilities. Additionally, the glasses will feature built-in microphones and speakers to facilitate phone calls, music playback, and notification alerts.

Powering these glasses will be a multimodal AI system, complete with Siri voice assistant functionality and visual intelligence capabilities. Notably, these glasses will not offer augmented reality features — Apple is developing a separate AR glasses product with embedded displays, though that release timeline extends further into the future.

Challenging Meta’s Market Leadership

Meta currently dominates the smart glasses marketplace. The category experienced remarkable 139% year-over-year expansion during the latter half of 2025, with Meta’s product range accounting for the majority of that surge, based on data from Counterpoint Research.

Apple’s strategy appears focused on delivering a distinctive, immediately identifiable product that differentiates itself from existing market offerings.

Gurman observed that with proper execution — especially if Siri performs reliably — these glasses could replicate the Apple Watch trajectory: arriving after competitors but ultimately capturing market leadership.

Apple isn’t the only tech company pursuing new AI-driven hardware opportunities. The company is simultaneously preparing to introduce a foldable iPhone in September 2026, alongside camera-equipped AirPods, a smart home display device, and a wearable pendant accessory.

Apple’s timeline calls for unveiling the smart glasses by late 2026 or early 2027, with commercial shipments commencing by the conclusion of 2027.

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