Apple Accelerates on Smart Glasses: Four Designs in Testing to Challenge Meta Ray-Ban by 2027

Apple is reportedly intensively working on the development of its first smart glasses, a product intended to compete directly with the current models from Meta made in collaboration with Ray-Ban. According to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, the Cupertino company is testing up to four different designs to determine which might be most effective both aesthetically and functionally.

The variants include a large rectangular frame, similar to the Wayfarer style, a thinner rectangular version inspired by the glasses often worn by CEO Tim Cook, a model with larger oval or circular lenses, and finally a more compact model with a similar shape. In addition to the shapes, Apple is experimenting with various colors, including black, ocean blue, and light brown, aiming to offer a versatile product suited to different tastes.

The project, currently known by the codenamed N50, will not only focus on aesthetics but primarily on integration with the Apple ecosystem. The glasses should allow users to take photos and record videos, just like competing models, but with deeper interaction with the iPhone. Users will be able to manage notifications, make calls, listen to music, and edit or share content directly through connected Apple devices.

Further Details on Apple's Smart Glasses

A distinctive feature may be represented by the design of the lenses, described as vertically-oriented ovals with integrated lights around the frame. This detail could not only visually differentiate the product but also offer new ways of interaction or visual signaling.

Another key point will be the integration with Siri, which is expected to receive a significant update with iOS 27. The smart glasses could therefore become a central tool for using the voice assistant, making the experience more immediate and natural compared to using a smartphone.

As for the timeline, Apple could unveil the device between late 2026 and early 2027, with commercialization expected throughout the same year. In the meantime, Meta continues to enhance its smart glasses, making them more suitable for prescription lenses and more customizable.