Key Highlights
- Cupertino’s tech giant is experimenting with a minimum of four distinct frame configurations for its AI-enabled eyewear, designated internally as Project N50.
- Frame variations span rectangular, oval, and circular geometries, available in colorways including black, ocean blue, and light brown.
- A distinctive vertically-oriented oval camera module surrounded by illumination elements is under consideration.
- Premium acetate material construction will differentiate the product from competitor offerings while ensuring iPhone and Siri compatibility.
- Public reveal anticipated between late 2026 and early 2027, with commercial availability expected by 2027’s conclusion.
According to reporting from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Cupertino is actively developing its inaugural AI-powered smart eyewear and is presently evaluating no fewer than four separate frame configurations.
New details released by @markgurman on what Apple's upcoming AI powered glasses could look like:
• A large rectangular frame, similar to Ray-Ban Wayfarers
• A slimmer rectangular design, similar to the glasses worn by Tim Cook
• Larger oval or circular frames
• A smaller,… pic.twitter.com/6eZqrg2qTj— Apple Vision Report (@spatialreport) April 12, 2026
The prototype collection features a prominent rectangular frame echoing the aesthetic of Ray-Ban’s iconic Wayfarer model, a more refined rectangular variant, plus two oval or circular alternatives distinguished by size — one expansive, one compact. Sources indicate the slimmer rectangular prototype bears resemblance to eyewear regularly worn by Chief Executive Tim Cook.
Power On: Apple’s upcoming AI smart glasses will come in several styles and colors – and the company is testing a unique vertical oval camera design. The latest on Apple’s next major product. https://t.co/yzOer1yXfo
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) April 12, 2026
The company intends to launch the product with various finish options, encompassing black, ocean blue, and light brown tones. Frame construction utilizes acetate material, offering enhanced durability and premium quality compared to conventional plastic employed by rival manufacturers.
Internally, the initiative carries the codename N50.
Innovative Camera Architecture Sets New Direction
Among the most notable design elements Apple is testing is a camera configuration featuring vertically-aligned oval lenses encircled by illumination components. This approach diverges from the circular camera arrangement found in Meta’s Ray-Ban collaborative smart glasses.
The camera system will enable both still photography and video recording capabilities. Additionally, the eyewear will incorporate microphone arrays and audio drivers to facilitate voice calls, music playback, and alert notifications.
Powering the device will be a multimodal artificial intelligence framework, featuring Siri voice assistant integration and visual intelligence functionality. Notably, the product will exclude augmented reality capabilities — the company is pursuing a distinct AR glasses initiative incorporating integrated displays, though that project timeline extends further into the future.
Challenging Meta’s Market Dominance
Meta presently commands the smart glasses category. The sector experienced 139% year-over-year expansion during 2025’s second half, with Meta’s product portfolio responsible for the majority of that momentum, per Counterpoint Research data.
Cupertino’s strategy centers on delivering an immediately distinctive product that differentiates itself from existing market offerings.
Gurman observed that with proper execution — especially regarding Siri functionality — the eyewear could replicate the Apple Watch trajectory: entering the market after competitors but ultimately achieving category leadership.
The iPhone maker isn’t limiting its hardware ambitions to smart glasses alone. Additional anticipated launches include a foldable iPhone scheduled for September 2026, camera-equipped AirPods, a smart home display device, and a wearable pendant accessory.
The smart glasses announcement is planned for late 2026 or early 2027, with consumer shipments commencing by 2027’s end.
