According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple is testing at least four design options for its upcoming smart glasses, which are expected to revolutionize the market of such devices. The company is betting on premium materials and a recognizable style to stand out from competitors like Ray-Ban. The announcement could come as early as late 2026, with sales beginning in spring or summer 2027.
Apple smart glasses could arrive as early as the end of this year
What Are Apple Glasses and How Do They Differ from Vision Pro
These will be actual glasses, not a headset like Vision Pro
It’s important to understand right away: Apple Glasses are not augmented reality glasses. There’s no transparent display with virtual objects like in Vision Pro. Essentially, these are ordinary-looking glasses with built-in cameras, microphones, and sensors. They’ll be able to deliver notifications from your iPhone, take photos and videos, play music, and work with the Siri voice assistant.
In terms of functionality, this is something between Apple Watch and AirPods. The glasses will connect to the iPhone and depend on it even more than Apple Watch — most features will work through the smartphone. However, in terms of design and everyday use, Apple Glasses will have an edge over Vision Pro.
Four Apple Glasses Designs
According to Gurman’s insider information, Apple is currently testing four frame options:
There will be several different frames to suit any taste
- A large rectangular frame, similar to the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer
- A narrower rectangular model — in the style of glasses worn by Tim Cook
- Large oval or round frames
- A compact, more refined oval or round option
Apple plans to release several models at once, in different colors — much like they did with Apple Watch at its launch in 2015. Among the colors currently being developed: black, “ocean” blue, and light brown.
What Will Apple Glasses Be Made Of
Instead of ordinary plastic, Apple intends to use acetate — a premium material valued by high-end frame manufacturers for its durability and pleasant texture. This immediately sets the product apart from most “smart” glasses on the market, which look like ordinary plastic gadgets.
The front-facing cameras will be arranged in an oval pattern and surrounded by indicator lights — so that people around can see when recording is in progress. According to Gurman, Apple wants to make the glasses’ design instantly recognizable, just as they achieved with AirPods and Apple Watch.
Acetate frame — a material used by premium eyewear brands
When Will Apple Glasses Be Released
They will connect to iPhone just as easily as Apple Watch and AirPods
According to information from the Power On newsletter, the glasses announcement could take place in late 2026 or early 2027, with sales expected to begin in spring-summer 2027. Apple is also developing full-fledged AR glasses with built-in displays, but those are still a long way off.
The glasses are part of Apple’s broader strategy to launch AI-focused devices. Other expected products include: AirPods with cameras, a smart home display, and a wearable pendant with a camera.
Is It Worth Waiting for Apple Glasses
Would you want such a gadget from Apple?
Apple smart glasses are not a replacement for Vision Pro and not an attempt to showcase augmented reality. Rather, it’s a new format for those who want to receive notifications, quickly take photos, and interact with an AI assistant without pulling their iPhone out of their pocket. If you’re comfortable wearing glasses every day (or already do), this could become a natural addition to the Apple ecosystem.
Those who were waiting for “real” AR glasses with virtual objects in front of their eyes shouldn’t get excited yet — such a product is still far from release. However, fans of the Meta Ray-Ban concept should pay attention: Apple is clearly targeting the same segment, but with an emphasis on premium materials and signature design. For now, this is insider information, not an official announcement — exact specifications and pricing have not yet been revealed.
