According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in the latest edition of your Power On newsletterApple is actively testing at least four different frame styles for its next smart glasses project. Apple is counting on its superior design taste to differentiate itself from rivals like the Ray-Man Meta Glasses.
The report indicates that Apple is evaluating the designs and plans to launch several, in various colors, similar to how it launched a range of different watches when the Apple Watch debuted in 2015…
As a reminder, these glasses are not augmented reality. They are simple wearable glasses that have built-in cameras, microphones and sensors. They will be able to broadcast notifications from their phone, capture personal photos and videos, play music, and enable interactions with AI features like updated Siri and visual intelligence capabilities.
It’s like a combination of Apple Watch and AirPods in terms of functionality. The glasses will pair with a connected iPhone to power most of their features, making them even more of an iPhone accessory than the Watch.
Gurman says the four Apple glasses designs currently in testing include:
- A large rectangular frame, reminiscent of the Ray-Ban Wayfarer
- A slimmer rectangular design, similar to the glasses worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook.
- Larger oval or circular frames
- A smaller, more refined oval or circular option
Apple is exploring a range of finishes, including black, ocean blue, and light brown. As with the AirPods and Apple Watch, the goal is to create a design that is instantly recognizable.
Gurman says the glasses’ front cameras will be arranged in an oval pattern, surrounded by indicator lights. This is another design point that will differentiate Apple’s product from its rivals.
Notably, instead of something common like plastic, Apple plans to use acetate, a “durable” and “luxurious” material, for the main body of the glasses.
The smart glasses project is supposedly on track to be announced later this year or early 2027, with an actual launch in spring or summer 2027. Apple is still believed to be working on advanced augmented reality glasses with integrated displays, but the timeline for this is much further out.
In the short term, the glasses are part of Apple’s strategy to launch a series of AI-focused devices in the coming years. Other products on the horizon include AirPods with built-in cameras, a smart home display, and a wearable pendant with cameras.
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