Apple Tests AI-Enabled Smart Glasses Across Multiple Frame Styles, Sources Say

Apple’s prototype lineup isn’t just a single “one‑size‑fits‑all” look; the design team has already carved out four distinct silhouettes, each with its own palette of colors, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who broke the story in his Power On newsletter and was later cited by CNET. The most recognizable is a large, rectangular frame that echoes the classic Ray‑Ban Wayfarer, while a slimmer rectangular version offers a more understated vibe. The other two options are oval‑or‑circular—one sizable enough to make a statement, the other a compact, bite‑size alternative. Gurman says Apple is also experimenting with a camera module that sits behind vertically oriented oval lenses flanked by tiny light rings, a visual cue meant to set the product apart from Meta’s current offerings.

Beyond aesthetics, Apple is reportedly engineering a fresh camera system that could give the glasses a “photo‑first” edge. While the exact specs remain under wraps, the placement of the lenses and surrounding lights suggests a design that can capture video and stills without looking like a conventional webcam. Gurman notes that Apple’s approach mirrors the broader industry trend of embedding high‑resolution optics into wearables, a move that could make the device feel less like a gadget and more like a natural extension of the eye. If the lenses can double as both display and capture surfaces, the glasses could handle everything from spontaneous video diaries to on‑the‑fly document scans, all while staying discreet enough to wear in public.

Functionally, the glasses are expected to bundle the usual smart‑glass toolkit—microphones, speakers, and a multimodal AI that leans on Siri for voice queries, according to the same Bloomberg report. The AI layer would let users ask for directions, translate a phrase, or pull up a calendar reminder without ever pulling out an iPhone. CNET’s coverage points out that such integration is no longer a novelty; Counterpoint Research’s March 2025 data shows the smart‑glasses market expanding 139 % year‑over‑year in the second half of the year, a surge largely credited to Meta’s AI‑enabled frames. Apple’s entry, with its polished hardware and deep ecosystem, could accelerate that growth curve, especially if the company can deliver a seamless hand‑off between iPhone, Mac, and the new eyewear.

Timing, however, remains the wild card. Gurman writes that Apple aims to unveil the product by the close of 2024 or early 2025, with shipments slated for the end of 2027. That rollout window is notably longer than Meta’s current release cadence, hinting that Apple may be perfecting both the hardware and the software stack before committing to mass production. The company’s cautious schedule could also reflect the regulatory scrutiny surrounding on‑body cameras and privacy—a concern that has already slowed other manufacturers. Apple has yet to comment, but the prolonged lead time suggests the tech giant is willing to wait for the right moment rather than rush a product that could tarnish its brand reputation.

If Apple’s design language sticks—and the “instantly recognizable” look Gurman describes does indeed become a fashion statement—the glasses could carve out a niche that blends style with substance. The market’s early‑stage status, highlighted by Counterpoint’s growth figures, means there’s ample room for a premium player to set standards. Whether the glasses will become the next must‑have accessory or remain a niche tool for power users will depend on how well Apple marries its hardware polish with the AI capabilities that have made Meta’s glasses a commercial success. For now, the prototypes are a tantalizing glimpse of a future where looking through a lens feels as natural as scrolling a screen.