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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.
Why it matters
- 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.