Apple Tests Four Frame Styles for AI Smart Glasses to Challenge Meta

Apple Bets Big on Design Variety for Smart Glasses

Apple is testing at least four distinct frame styles for its upcoming smart glasses, according to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman. The designs include a large rectangular frame similar to Ray-Ban Wayfarers, a slimmer rectangular option resembling the style favoured by CEO Tim Cook, and two oval variations in larger and smaller sizes. The company is exploring finishes in black, ocean blue, and light brown.

Premium Materials, No Display

Rather than using conventional plastic, Apple plans to construct the frames from acetate, a material prized for its durability and luxurious feel. The glasses will not feature an augmented reality display. Instead, they are designed as AI-first wearables that pair with an iPhone, integrating cameras, microphones, speakers, and sensors for hands-free interaction with an upgraded version of Siri.

Dual Camera System and Computer Vision

The glasses will include two front-facing cameras arranged in an oval pattern surrounded by indicator lights. One high-resolution sensor handles photo and video capture, while a second is dedicated to computer vision and environmental awareness, enabling the device to interpret surroundings and measure distances between objects.

Part of a Broader AI Wearable Strategy

The smart glasses, internally codenamed N50, are part of a three-device AI wearable strategy that also includes camera-equipped AirPods and a wearable pendant. All three devices are designed to give Siri visual context about a user's surroundings. Apple began distributing prototypes to hardware engineering teams earlier this year.

Timeline and Market Competition

Mass production is targeted for December 2026, with a consumer release planned for spring or summer 2027. Apple's decision to design frames in-house rather than partnering with an established eyewear brand signals confidence in its industrial design capabilities. The product will compete directly with Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses in an increasingly crowded AI wearables market.