Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports Apple is developing smartglasses with up to four frame styles in acetate materials, targeting a 2027 release after a year-end announcement.
- The smartglasses will feature distinctive vertically oriented oval cameras and integrate with iPhones for calls, Siri access, photos, and music control.
- Apple’s design focuses on durability and recognition, offering rectangular and oval frames in colors like black, brown, and ocean blue to compete with Meta AI.
A new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman provides a bit more detail about Apple’s upcoming smartglasses. Gurman has reported earlier this year that the smartglasses are designed to compete with Meta AI glasses and similar devices.
Gurman reports that Apple has four different frame designs in testing, and could launch some or all of them:
- A large rectangular frame, reminiscent of Ray-Ban Wayfarers
- Larger oval or circular frames
- A slimmer rectangular design, similar to the glasses worn by Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook
- A smaller, more refined oval or circular option
Apple is also testing different finishes, such as black, light brown, and ocean blue, and the frames are made of acetate, which Gurman describes as “more durable and luxurious than the standard plastic.”
The built-in cameras are said to be “vertically oriented oval lenses with surrounding lights,” a different shape from Meta’s circular cameras. Apple’s goal with the design is to make the glasses “instantly recognizable” as an Apple product. Meta AI glasses currently use frames by Ray-Ban and Oakley.
Previous reports state that the smartglasses will work with an iPhone to let the user make phone calls, use Siri, take photos, and play music. The user interface will involve voice commands and a separate camera to provide the device an enviromental context.
Apple is planning to announce the smartglasses by the end of this year, with a release date in early 2027, according to Gurman.
