Apple's Next Big Thing? Four Smart Glasses Designs Reportedly Under Development

Daily Technology

·

13/04/2026

ADVERTISEMENT

Apple is reportedly exploring a variety of aesthetic directions for its upcoming smart glasses, with four distinct designs currently undergoing testing. This move comes as the tech giant aims to enter the wearable tech market with a new category of device, potentially slated for a 2027 release.

Key Takeaways

Apple is testing four distinct designs for its upcoming smart glasses.
The devices are expected to launch in 2027, with a possible announcement by the end of this year.
Features will likely focus on camera, audio, and Siri integration, rather than advanced AR/VR displays.

Design Exploration

According to reports, Apple is not settling on a single look for its smart glasses. The company is said to be evaluating four different frame styles. These include a broad rectangular option, a more streamlined rectangular design reminiscent of CEO Tim Cook's eyewear, a larger oval or circular frame, and a smaller iteration of the oval/circular style.

ADVERTISEMENT

Beyond the shapes, Apple is also considering a palette of colors to appeal to a wider audience. Potential colorways mentioned are classic black, a calming ocean blue, and a warm light brown.

A Shift in Strategy?

These designs suggest a potential recalibration of Apple's augmented and mixed reality ambitions. While the company initially envisioned a more expansive range of MR/AR devices, the path has been marked by delays and a mixed reception for products like the Vision Pro. The current direction for the smart glasses appears to lean towards a more accessible, everyday wearable.

Functionality and Features

Unlike some high-end AR headsets, these smart glasses are not expected to feature integrated displays. Instead, their functionality seems to align more closely with devices like Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. Users can anticipate capabilities such as taking photos and videos (with reports suggesting oval camera lenses), answering phone calls, enjoying music playback, and interacting with an enhanced version of Siri.

Recommend

Google Gemma 4 Signals a New Era for Local AI

Explore the key trends from Google's Gemma 4 launch, including the rise of powerful on-device AI, a focus on efficiency, and the shift to open-source licensing.

ADVERTISEMENT

Generalist AIs GEN-1 Model Sets New Standard for Robotic Automation

Generalist AI's new GEN-1 model achieves a 99% success rate, a massive leap in robotic automation. Discover how it's redefining reliability in factories.

Apple's Foldable iPhone: A New Design Direction Emerges

Recent leaks suggest a refined design for Apple's rumored folding iPhone, featuring a smaller camera hump and a new look compared to earlier prototypes.

iOS 26.5 Beta Hints at End-to-End Encrypted RCS for iPhones

Apple's iOS 26.5 public beta is here, featuring the potential return of end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging and new Maps features. Learn more about what's new.

ADVERTISEMENT

Linux Kernel Evolution The End of an Era for 486 Support

Linux kernel developers are officially ending support for the Intel 486 processor. Discover the technical reasons and the minimal impact on modern systems.

How Tiny Robots Are Rewriting Our Understanding of the Oceans

Discover how fleets of autonomous robotic floats equipped with advanced sensors are revolutionizing oceanography by revealing the hidden chemical dynamics of our seas.

Google Chrome Upgrades Desktop Experience with New Tab and Reading Features

Google Chrome introduces vertical tabs for improved multitasking and a new immersive reading mode for a distraction-free experience. Learn how these features work.

ADVERTISEMENT

YouTube Unveils AI Avatar Tool for Creators to 'Clone' Themselves

YouTube introduces an AI avatar tool allowing creators to generate digital twins for YouTube Shorts, enhancing content creation while ensuring user control and transparency.

AI Enters the Cybersecurity Arena: A New Arms Race

Explore the emerging AI arms race in cybersecurity. Discover how companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are developing powerful new tools to revolutionize digital defense.

iPhone 18 Pro Leaks Point to Subtle but Significant Design Shifts

Early leaks for the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro suggest key design shifts, including a smaller Dynamic Island with under-display Face ID and refined body materials.

ADVERTISEMENT