Apple is testing four distinct designs for its first smart glasses

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Apple is getting closer to launching its first pair of smart glasses, and the company is now deep into testing how they should actually look. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is currently evaluating at least four different frame styles as it works toward a final design.

This is not just about aesthetics. Apple is betting that design will be the defining factor that separates its glasses from products like the Meta Ray-Ban lineup. The goal is to make something people would want to wear all day, not just use occasionally.

Apple is exploring multiple frame styles to land on a mainstream look

The designs under testing cover a wide range of styles, which signals that Apple has not locked in on a single direction yet. The current options include:

• A large rectangular frame similar to Ray-Ban Wayfarers
• A slimmer rectangular design, closer to what Tim Cook is often seen wearing
• Larger oval or circular frames
• A smaller and more refined oval or circular option

Apple is also experimenting with finishes like black, ocean blue, and light brown. As with the Apple Watch, the company wants a lineup that feels personal and recognizable at a glance.

These are not AR glasses. They are closer to wearable iPhone accessories

The upcoming glasses are not designed for augmented reality. Instead, they focus on everyday utility. The device will include cameras, microphones, and sensors, and will rely heavily on a connected iPhone. You can expect features like:

• Notifications mirrored from your phone
• The ability to take photos and short videos
• Music playback through built-in speakers
• Interactions with AI features, such as an upgraded Siri and visual intelligence tools

In practical terms, the product sits somewhere between the Apple Watch and AirPods. It extends your phone’s capabilities rather than replacing it.

Design details hint at how Apple plans to stand out

Apple is paying attention to small visual details that can define the product. The front cameras are expected to sit in an oval arrangement, surrounded by indicator lights. This gives a distinct look while also signaling when recording is active.

Material choice is another key differentiator. Instead of standard plastic, Apple is planning to use acetate for the frame. This material is commonly used in premium eyewear and should make the glasses feel more like a fashion product than a tech gadget.

Launch timeline and the bigger AI push

The smart glasses are expected to be announced either later this year or in early 2027, with a release planned for spring or summer 2027.

They are part of a broader push toward AI-focused hardware. Apple is also working on AirPods with cameras, a smart home display, and a wearable pendant with camera capabilities. All of these devices are expected to tie into Apple’s growing focus on on-device intelligence and contextual awareness.

Apple is still developing more advanced augmented reality glasses with built-in displays, but those are further out. For now, the company is focusing on something simpler, more practical, and easier to adopt.

That approach makes sense. If Apple gets the design right, these glasses could quietly become one of the most natural extensions of the iPhone yet.

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