Apple is testing four smart glasses designs ahead of a 2027 launch

Apple is reportedly testing various design directions for its long-rumored smart glasses as the company inches closer to entering the wearable AI hardware market.

Reports say Apple is currently evaluating at least four different frame styles, with a potential launch targeted for 2027. A launch could come as early as later this year, signaling the company’s growing confidence in the product category.

The prototypes under consideration varied in size and shape. The design reportedly includes a large rectangular frame; a slimmer rectangular version similar to that worn by CEO Tim Cook; as well as two oval variants—one larger and one more compact—offering a variety of aesthetic options.

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Apple is also said to be experimenting with different colors, including black, navy blue and light brown, indicating a lifestyle-oriented approach aimed at broad consumer appeal and not purely technical devices.

The smart glasses mark a strategic pivot from Apple’s previous, more ambitious mixed reality roadmap, which envisioned a range of augmented and virtual reality products. The Vision faced setbacks, including delays and limited market acceptance of the Vision Pro headset.

In contrast, Apple’s current version of the glasses looks more similar in concept to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The device is not expected to feature a screen but will likely support functions like photo and video taking, phone calls, music playback, and voice interaction via enhanced Siri, positioning it as a lightweight, AI-powered companion device.