Apple reportedly testing four designs for upcoming smart glasses

Apple is testing four designs for its upcoming smart glasses, expected to launch in 2027, with a potential reveal this year. The designs range from various frame shapes to color options. While they lack displays, the glasses aim to support photography, phone calls, and music, marking a shift from previous ambitious mixed-reality plans.

Key Points

• Apple plans to sell smart glasses by 2027, potential unveiling by end of 2023.
• Four designs being tested: large rectangular frame, slimmer rectangular frame, larger oval/circular frame, and smaller oval/circular frame.
• Color options include black, ocean blue, and light brown.
• Smart glasses will not feature displays but will have camera capabilities, phone call functions, music playback, and Siri interaction.
• This marked change comes after delays and mixed reception of previous AR/VR devices.

Relevance

• The smart glasses represent a shift from Apple's earlier mixed-reality ambitions, similar to trends seen in 2025 with a focus on practical wearable tech.
• Current market dynamics show companies like Meta leading in smart eyewear with products such as Ray-Ban Stories, indicating a competitive landscape for Apple.

Apple's venture into smart glasses showcases a strategic pivot in wearable technology, aiming to balance innovation with consumer expectations, amidst a rapidly evolving market.