Apple is working on smart glasses, and new details are emerging about what the product will look like. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is testing multiple frame designs and is targeting a launch by 2027.
Apple is reportedly testing at least four different frame styles. The four designs include a large rectangular frame similar to Wayfarer-style glasses, a slimmer rectangular frame close to what Tim Cook typically wears, larger oval or circular frames, and a smaller, more compact oval or circular option. This approach mirrors how Apple launched the original Apple Watch, with multiple styles available right from the start.
Color options being tested include black, ocean blue, and light brown. Apple reportedly wants the glasses to be instantly recognizable, much like AirPods. Instead of standard plastic, Apple is said to be using acetate for the frames, a material commonly found in premium eyewear and known for its durability. This could help differentiate Apple’s product from competitors like Ray-Ban Meta Glasses.
Smart Features but Not AR
These glasses are not augmented reality devices. They are smart wearables designed for everyday use. Expected features include notifications from a connected iPhone, built-in cameras for photos and video, music playback, and AI-driven capabilities like an upgraded Siri and visual intelligence. Apple is positioning the glasses somewhere between the Apple Watch and AirPods, with the device working primarily as an iPhone accessory rather than a standalone product.
Apple is also experimenting with a distinctive camera layout where front-facing cameras are arranged in an oval formation and surrounded by indicator lights. This design is meant to make the product visually distinct from rival glasses while also serving a practical purpose.
Part of Apple’s Bigger AI Hardware Plans
The smart glasses are part of Apple’s broader push into AI-driven hardware. The company is also said to be working on AirPods with built-in cameras, a smart home display, and a wearable pendant equipped with cameras. All these devices are expected to work together within the Apple ecosystem using on-device AI.
Gurman’s report says Apple could announce the glasses as early as late 2026 or early 2027, with an actual release planned for spring or summer 2027. Apple’s more advanced AR glasses with built-in displays are still in development and remain a longer-term project.
