Apple Tests Four Designs for Future Smart Glasses
Apple is moving forward with its wearable technology strategy by testing four distinct designs for its upcoming smart glasses. The company aims to debut the device in 2027, with a potential public unveiling scheduled for late this year, according to reports from Bloomberg.
Design Variations and Aesthetics
The tech giant is currently evaluating a variety of form factors to determine the final lineup. The hardware prototypes under investigation include:
- Large rectangular frames
- Slimmer rectangular frames, mirroring the style worn by CEO Tim Cook
- Large circular or oval frames
- Smaller circular or oval frames
Beyond the shape, Apple is exploring color options for the hardware, with black, ocean blue, and light brown currently being considered.
Strategic Shift in Wearables
This development marks a pivot from Apple’s previous, more complex roadmap for augmented and mixed reality hardware. Following the tepid market response to the Vision Pro and various product delays, the company appears to be scaling back its immediate ambitions.
Unlike the Vision Pro, these smart glasses will not feature integrated displays. Instead, the device is expected to function similarly to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, focusing on practical daily utility. Key functionalities will include:
- Capturing photos and videos via integrated oval camera lenses
- Audio playback for music
- Managing phone calls
- Enhanced interaction with an upgraded version of Siri