After watching Meta strike gold with its Ray-Ban smart glasses, Apple now looks ready to enter the space and do it its own way.
According to noted Apple insider Mark Gurman, the company is currently working on four distinct frame designs for its upcoming smart glasses, often referred to as “iGlasses.” More importantly, sources suggest Apple is aiming to offer a stronger tech package than what Meta currently delivers.
Apple’s history in wearable technology does not begin with glasses. The company’s plans for the Apple Vision Pro, which is their premier mixed-reality headset were developed through the Vision Products Group although Apple at that time was not a supporter of the idea of camera-equipped sunglasses without any displays attached to them.
This was the same concept that helped to create Meta’s RAY-BANs. But apparently, that viewpoint is now changing.
Internally, Apple has been working on a new type of glasses called “N50” that operate with voice control (using Siri) and are believed to be deeply integrated with the iPhone.
The company is no longer pursuing previously-discussed independent or tethered devices and believes it will have a major advantage in the marketplace by having the strongest possible product integration or ‘ecosystem’ in its history.
Apple iGlasses Rumoured Design
Apple isn’t expected to partner with legacy eyewear giants like EssilorLuxottica (which owns Ray-Ban and Oakley). Instead, it’s likely to design frames in-house, keeping them instantly recognizable- just like the iPhone or Apple Watch.
The four styles currently in development reportedly include:
- Large rectangular frames, similar to classic Wayfarer-style designs
- Slimmer rectangular frames, closer to a minimalist “Tim Cook” look
- Large circular or oval frames
- Smaller circular or oval frames
The idea is simple: offer variety, but still keep a signature Apple identity.
While Meta’s Ray-Bans have nailed the lifestyle appeal, they lack advanced display features. Apple, on the other hand, is expected to push deeper into functionality, especially through voice assistance and seamless iPhone connectivity.
Lastly, we can say that Meta has already built momentum in the smart glasses category, but Apple’s late entry could follow its usual rule- enter late, but dominate.
So, if executed right, this could shift smart glasses from a niche gadget to something more mainstream and useful in daily life.
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