Apple is working on smart glasses that could arrive in four different frame styles, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The company is testing large rectangular frames similar to Ray-Ban Wayfarers, slimmer rectangles like Tim Cook wears, and both larger and smaller oval or circular options. Color options reportedly include black, ocean blue, and light brown.
The glasses, code-named N50 internally, will compete directly with Meta's second-gen Ray-Ban smart glasses. Apple's version may feature vertically oriented oval lenses with surrounding lights to differentiate the design.
Like Meta's offering, Apple's glasses will capture photos and videos. But the real play here is ecosystem integration. The glasses are designed to sync tightly with iPhone for editing, sharing, calls, notifications, music, and Siri access.
The timing could align with iOS 27's improved Siri, which would make voice control actually useful. Gurman reports Apple might reveal the glasses in late 2026 or early 2027, with an official release sometime in 2027.
For AI professionals, this matters because it's another computing surface for ambient AI assistance. Smart glasses that actually work with your existing tools could change how you capture ideas, access information hands-free, and stay connected without pulling out your phone. Apple arriving late means they've watched Meta's mistakes and user feedback.
Meta recently released an updated model with better prescription lens support and customizable fit, so they're not standing still. The smart glasses category is heating up, and having real competition from Apple could finally push these devices into mainstream adoption.
