April 25, 2026, 6:37 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Apple is reportedly testing various directions for a new pair of glasses. The focus is on multiple versions, new materials, and a close connection with the iPhone.
According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is advancing work on smart glasses. It’s not just about a single model, but several variants that are meant to be visibly different from each other. Additional colors are also planned. Apple is apparently taking an approach reminiscent of the Apple Watch’s launch in 2015, when the company introduced multiple models simultaneously. The new glasses are also intended to clearly stand out from other devices of this type, including the Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses.
Several Shapes Available
According to the report, Apple is currently considering four styles. Among them is a large, square frame reminiscent of classic Wayfarer glasses. A more subtle counterpart is a narrower rectangular frame, closely resembling Tim Cook’s glasses. Larger round or oval models are also being considered. Additionally, a smaller and more elegant version of this shape is being tested. Apple is not limiting itself to a single look but is developing several options.
Apple Likely to Use High-Quality Materials
Not only the shape but also the design of the glasses plays an important role. According to the report, colors such as black, ocean blue, and light brown are being considered. Apple is also pursuing a unique solution for the material. Acetate, rather than regular plastic, is planned for the main part of the glasses. This solid material is often used in high-quality eyewear. It is considered to be easily moldable and often appears more valuable. The report describes it as a “robust” and “luxurious” material.
Apple Is Working on Three New Wearables With Cameras
Apple is likely secretly working on smart glasses
No Overlays in the Field of View Planned
According to the report, the device is not an AR headset. Augmented Reality, or AR, involves digital content that can appear directly in the field of view, such as texts, hints, or images. However, this is not planned for these glasses. Instead, a connected model with cameras, microphones, and sensors is planned. Possible tasks include notifications from the iPhone, taking photos and videos, music, and AI functions. These include an improved Siri and visual intelligence, meaning the glasses capture their surroundings through cameras and analyze the information obtained.
Many Tasks to Be Handled by the iPhone
The report describes the glasses’ functions as a mix of Apple Watch and AirPods. At the same time, the device is not expected to perform many tasks on its own. Instead, a paired iPhone is supposed to power most of the functions. This would make the dependency on the iPhone even greater than with the Apple Watch. The glasses would primarily be an accessory for Apple’s smartphone. The design of the technology is also notable: The front cameras are to be arranged in an oval pattern. There are also control lights that can indicate, for example, whether the camera is active. Here, too, Apple apparently wants to differentiate itself from other manufacturers.
Also interesting: Apple is working on three new wearables with cameras
The report also provides details on the timeline: A presentation of the device could take place later in 2026 or early 2027. The sales launch is expected in spring or summer 2027. In parallel, Apple is likely working toward another goal: In the long term, significantly more complex AR glasses with built-in displays are to be launched. This technology, however, is still further in the future according to the current state.