Key Highlights
- The iPhone maker is evaluating no fewer than four frame designs for its AI-enabled smart glasses, known internally as Project N50.
- Frame styles range from rectangular to oval and circular shapes, available in finishes such as black, ocean blue, and light brown.
- A distinctive vertically oriented oval camera lens surrounded by lighting elements sets the design apart from competitors.
- Premium acetate material will be used for frame construction, paired with iPhone connectivity and Siri voice control.
- The company aims to reveal the product in late 2026 or early 2027, with consumer availability expected by the end of 2027.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is in active development of its inaugural AI-powered smart glasses and is presently evaluating a minimum of four different frame configurations.
The frame options being considered include a bold rectangular design reminiscent of classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers, a more streamlined rectangular variant, and two rounded designs—one in an oval shape and another that’s more circular, each available in different sizes. Sources indicate the slimmer rectangular option bears a striking resemblance to the eyewear regularly worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook.
The Cupertino-based company intends to launch the glasses in several colorways, including black, ocean blue, and light brown options. Rather than conventional plastic, the primary frame structure will be manufactured using acetate, a superior material known for its durability and premium feel that distinguishes it from most rival products.
Internally, the development team refers to this project as N50.
Innovative Camera Technology Takes Center Stage
Among the most notable design elements being tested is a camera configuration featuring vertically positioned oval lenses encircled by illumination components. This approach represents a departure from the circular camera architecture employed in Meta[[/LINK_END_1]]’s collaboration with Ray-Ban.
The integrated cameras will enable users to capture both still images and video content. Additionally, the glasses will incorporate built-in microphones and speakers to facilitate phone conversations, audio playback, and alert notifications.
Powering the device will be a sophisticated multimodal AI engine, featuring deep Siri integration alongside visual intelligence capabilities. Notably, this product will not incorporate augmented reality functionality—Apple has a separate AR glasses initiative with embedded displays in development, though that product remains on a more distant timeline.
Challenging Meta’s Market Leadership
Meta currently dominates the smart glasses sector. Industry data from Counterpoint Research reveals 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.
Apple’s strategy appears focused on developing a visually distinctive product that clearly differentiates itself from existing market offerings.
Gurman observed that with proper execution—especially if Siri performs reliably—the smart glasses could replicate the Apple Watch trajectory: arriving after competitors but ultimately achieving market dominance.
Apple isn’t the only company pursuing innovative AI-driven hardware. The tech giant 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 announcing the smart glasses before 2026 concludes or in early 2027, with product shipments commencing by the conclusion of 2027.
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