Apple Testing Four Frame Designs for AI Smart Glasses Ahead of 2027 Launch
April 13, 2026 – 1:05 pm
In short:
Apple is testing at least four frame styles for its upcoming AI-powered smart glasses, according to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman published on April 12, 2026. The designs include:
- A large rectangular style similar to Wayfarer frames.
- A slimmer rectangular design comparable to those worn by CEO Tim Cook.
- A larger oval or circular frame.
- A smaller oval variant.
The frames are being crafted from acetate, a material described as more durable and luxurious than standard plastic. The hardware utilizes the N401 chip, a custom processor based on the Apple Watch S-series architecture, alongside two cameras: one for photo and video capture, and another dedicated to computer vision. There is no display in the initial version. Apple aims to start production in December 2026, with a public launch anticipated in spring or summer 2027.
Four Styles, One Material
The four frame designs cater to diverse aesthetic preferences. The large rectangular option echoes classic Wayfarer-style frames, while the slimmer rectangular variant mirrors Tim Cook’s glasses, suggesting one design is tailored for professional wear. The two oval formats range from a larger, more expressive shape to a smaller, minimalist design. This array of options indicates Apple is exploring various visual languages and gauging which design appeals to the broadest range of potential users.
The acetate material, as reported by Gurman, offers enhanced durability and luxury compared to standard plastic, positioning the glasses against Meta’s existing Ray-Ban line rather than budget wearables. Confirmed colors during testing include black, ocean blue, and light brown, with more options expected by the time a final product is announced.
The camera module on the front of the frame features a vertically oriented oval arrangement with indicator lights surrounding it, differing from Meta’s horizontal lens placement. This configuration is designed to make the device instantly recognizable as an Apple product at a distance. Targeting a sub-50g weight and all-day battery life, Apple is considering a price of approximately $499, according to secondary coverage, though Gurman did not confirm this in his April 12 report.
Hardware and Intelligence
The N401 chip is a custom low-power processor derived from the Apple Watch S-series architecture, optimized for on-device inference within the thermal and battery constraints of wearable frames. The glasses include two cameras: one for photo and video capture, and another dedicated to computer vision, enabling Siri and Apple Intelligence to process real-time environmental context without requiring the phone to be unlocked. Microphones and spatial sensors are also integrated. There is no display in this initial version.