Apple's "AI Glasses" Pursue "Iconic Design": Rectangular or Round Frames, "Vertical Oval" Camera

Apple is crafting multiple frame styles and a unique camera design for its first smart glasses, aiming to challenge Meta's Ray-Ban AI glasses in the market.

On April 12, according to Bloomberg, the product, codenamed N50, is planned for release in late 2026 to early 2027, with official market launch set for 2027. Apple aims to establish a differentiated advantage in this emerging category with higher-end craftsmanship, deeper iPhone integration, and a unique "iconic" look.

On the design front, Apple is currently testing at least four frame styles and plans to launch some or all of these styles, along with multiple color options, at launch. The frame material will be acetate, which is more durable and has a better feel than the standard plastic used by most brands on the market.

Regarding the camera, Apple is considering a vertically oval lens design with surrounding lights, differentiating it from Meta's product's circular camera. This detail is seen as a key element in Apple's creation of "iconic" product recognition.

In terms of functional positioning, the glasses will support taking photos and videos, editing and sharing synced with iPhone, answering calls, receiving notifications, playing music, and interacting with a voice assistant. The core AI capabilities will be realized through a significantly upgraded Siri in iOS 27.

The report states that Apple is incorporating this into its broader three-pronged AI wearable strategy, with the other two components being new AirPods and a pendant device with a camera. All three will perceive the user's surroundings through computer vision, providing contextual awareness for Siri and Apple Intelligence.

Four Frame Styles and an "Iconic" Design Ambition

According to reports, the four frame styles currently being tested by Apple's design team are: a large rectangular frame, similar in shape to Ray-Ban Wayfarers; a slimmer rectangular design, close to the style of glasses worn daily by Apple CEO Tim Cook; a larger oval or round frame; and a smaller, more refined oval or round style.

In terms of colors, Apple is exploring various finishes including black, ocean blue, and light brown. The frame material selected is acetate, a material known in the eyewear industry for its durability and premium feel. This contrasts with Meta's approach of relying on partner EssilorLuxottica for frame supply – Apple plans to have complete control over its design.

The camera design is Apple's most distinctive differentiation strategy. It is understood that Apple is considering a vertically oriented oval lens, accompanied by surrounding lights, clearly distinguishing it from the circular camera design used in Meta's products. Apple internally refers to this instantly recognizable product identity as an "icon," consistent with the design logic of AirPods and Apple Watch – not necessarily the first, but the most recognizable.

In the competitive landscape, Meta holds an early advantage through its Ray-Ban partnership, while Google and Samsung are entering the race in collaboration with Warby Parker. Apple's counter-strategy involves building barriers with its own chips, vast retail network, and deep integration of the iPhone ecosystem. The report points out that if Siri is upgraded effectively, Apple's smart glasses could replicate the market trajectory of the Apple Watch – not the first to enter, but ultimately dominating the market.

However, the report notes that the true potential of this category relies on the maturity of lightweight, long-lasting, high-quality augmented reality technology, which internal Apple sources generally believe is still several years away, likely not until the end of this decade – about eight years later than initially planned.