Key Highlights
- The tech giant is evaluating a minimum of four different frame configurations for its AI-enabled smart glasses, known internally as project N50.
- Frame variations span rectangular, oval, and circular shapes, available in colors such as black, ocean blue, and light brown.
- A distinctive vertically-aligned oval camera lens surrounded by illumination elements is being considered.
- Premium acetate material will be utilized for frame construction, with seamless iPhone and Siri compatibility.
- The company aims to unveil the product in late 2026 or early 2027, with market availability expected by the conclusion of 2027.
The Cupertino-based technology company is in the process of creating its inaugural AI-driven smart glasses and is presently evaluating no fewer than four separate frame configurations, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The prototype lineup features a broad rectangular frame reminiscent of classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers, a more streamlined rectangular variant, plus two oval or circular alternatives in different sizes. The narrower rectangular prototype reportedly mirrors the eyewear style favored by CEO Tim Cook.
The company intends to provide several color options, encompassing black, ocean blue, and light brown shades. Acetate will serve as the primary construction material for the frame body, representing a more resilient and high-end alternative compared to conventional plastic employed by rival manufacturers.
Internally, the project carries the designation N50.
An Innovative Camera Configuration
Among the most notable design elements Apple is testing is a camera arrangement featuring vertically-positioned oval lenses encircled by lighting components. This approach deviates from the circular camera configuration found in Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses collaboration.
The camera system will enable both photograph and video recording capabilities. Additionally, the glasses will incorporate microphones and speakers to facilitate phone calls, audio playback, and notification alerts.
A multimodal artificial intelligence engine will drive the glasses’ functionality, incorporating Siri voice assistant integration and visual intelligence capabilities. The device will not include augmented reality functionality — the company is developing a distinct AR glasses product featuring built-in displays, though that release timeline extends further into the future.
Challenging Meta’s Market Position
Meta presently commands the smart glasses marketplace. The category experienced 139% year-over-year expansion during the latter half of 2025, with Meta’s product range accounting for the majority of that surge, based on data from Counterpoint Research.
The objective for the iPhone maker appears to be developing an immediately identifiable product that distinguishes itself from existing market offerings.
Gurman observed that with proper execution — especially regarding a fully functional Siri experience — the glasses could replicate the trajectory of the Apple Watch: arriving after competitors but ultimately achieving market leadership.
The tech giant isn’t the only company pursuing innovative AI-centered hardware. The organization is simultaneously expected to introduce a foldable iPhone model in September 2026, alongside camera-equipped AirPods, a smart home display device, and a wearable pendant accessory.
The company plans to publicly announce the smart glasses before the end of 2026 or during early 2027, with consumer shipments commencing by the conclusion of 2027.
