Apple is developing multiple frame styles and a unique camera design for its first smart glasses, targeting the market position of Meta's AI glasses, Ray-Ban. According to a Bloomberg report on April 12, the product, with the internal code name N50, is planned for a late 2026 to early 2027 release, with a formal market launch scheduled for 2027. Apple's goal is to establish a differentiated advantage in this emerging category through superior craftsmanship, deeper integration with the iPhone, and a distinctive, "iconic" appearance.

On the design front, Apple is currently testing at least four frame styles and plans to launch some or all of these variations at release, alongside multiple color options. The frames will be made from acetate, a material known for being more durable and premium-feeling than the standard plastic used by many brands.

For the camera, Apple is considering a vertically oriented oval lens design accompanied by a surrounding light ring. This differs from the circular camera used in Meta's product and is seen as a crucial element in Apple's strategy to create a "signature" product identity.

In terms of functionality, the glasses will support photo and video capture, syncing with the iPhone for editing and sharing, answering calls, receiving notifications, playing music, and interacting with a voice assistant. Core AI capabilities will be powered by a significantly upgraded Siri expected in iOS 27.

The report states that Apple views this product as part of a broader three-device AI wearable strategy, which also includes new AirPods and a camera-equipped pendant device. All three are designed to use computer vision to perceive the user's surroundings, providing contextual awareness for Siri and Apple Intelligence.

Regarding the four frame styles and the ambition for an "iconic" design, the Apple design team is reportedly testing: a large, rectangular frame similar in shape to the Ray-Ban Wayfarers; a more slender rectangular design akin to the style of glasses often worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook; a larger oval or round frame; and a smaller, more refined oval or round style.

For colors, Apple is exploring various finishes including black, ocean blue, and light brown. The choice of acetate, a material renowned in the eyewear industry for its durability and high-end feel, contrasts with Meta's approach of relying on its partner EssilorLuxottica for frames—Apple plans to lead the design entirely in-house.

The camera design represents the most recognizable part of Apple's differentiation strategy. The proposed vertical oval lens with a surrounding light is a clear departure from Meta's circular camera design. Internally, Apple refers to this instantly recognizable product identity as an "icon," a philosophy consistent with the design logic behind AirPods and the Apple Watch—not aiming to be first to market, but to be the most distinctive.

In the competitive landscape, Meta holds a first-mover advantage through its Ray-Ban partnership, while Alphabet and Samsung have teamed up with Warby Parker in this space. Apple's counter-strategy involves leveraging its own chips, extensive retail network, and deep integration with the iPhone ecosystem. The report suggests that if the Siri upgrades are successful, Apple's smart glasses could follow a market trajectory similar to the Apple Watch—not the earliest entrant, but ultimately dominant.

However, the report also notes that the category's true potential relies on the maturation of lightweight, long-battery-life, high-quality augmented reality technology. Apple insiders generally believe this breakthrough is still years away, likely not arriving until the end of this decade—approximately eight years later than originally envisioned.