Apple Preps Four Smart Glasses Designs, Targeting 2027 Launch

Apple is reportedly testing four distinct designs for its AI-powered smart glasses, according to an April 13 Bloomberg report cited by Bloomberg. This development signals Apple's intent to directly compete with Meta Platforms in the nascent smart eyewear market. The designs encompass a variety of aesthetics, including Wayfarer-esque rectangular frames, a slimmer version reminiscent of Tim Cook's personal eyewear, and both larger and smaller oval or circular styles.

Internally dubbed N50, these prototypes are being engineered with deep integration into the iPhone ecosystem, positioning them as a premium offering. Bloomberg notes that Apple is also exploring a unique vertically oriented oval lens camera design with surrounding lights, which would visually differentiate it from current Meta products. The devices are anticipated to be unveiled by late 2026 or early 2027, with a commercial launch slated for 2027.

Durability is also a focus, with prototypes reportedly crafted from acetate and tested in colors like ocean blue, black, and light brown. As Bloomberg quotes an unnamed source, "If executed properly with a functional Siri, these glasses could follow a trajectory similar to the Apple Watch: not first to market, but ultimately dominant."

Our take: Apple's entry into the smart glasses space has been a long-speculated inevitability. The reported diversity in design forms suggests they're looking to capture a broad aesthetic appeal, avoiding the pitfall of a one-size-fits-all approach. The emphasis on iPhone integration is a classic Apple strategy, leveraging their existing user base and ecosystem lock-in. While Meta has a head start, Apple's methodical approach and brand loyalty could indeed make them a formidable contender, especially if they solve the user interface challenges that often plague early smart eyewear.