Apple "AI Glasses" Pursue "Iconic Design": Rectangular or Round Frames, "Vertical Oval" Camera

Apple is developing multiple frame styles and a unique camera design for its first smart glasses, targeting Meta’s dominance in the AI eyewear market with Ray-Ban. On April 12, Bloomberg reported that this product, internally codenamed N50, is planned for release between late 2026 and early 2027, with an official launch scheduled for 2027. Apple's goal is to establish a differentiated advantage in this emerging category through higher-end craftsmanship, deeper iPhone integration, and a unique "iconic" look. In terms of design, Apple is currently testing at least four frame styles and plans to launch some or all of them, offering multiple color choices at release. The frames are made of acetate, which is more durable and textured than the standard plastics used by most brands. On the camera front, Apple is considering a vertically oval lens with surrounding lighting, which is distinct from Meta’s round camera design. This detail is seen as key to building recognizable "iconic" Apple products. Functionally, the glasses will support photo and video shooting, syncing and sharing with iPhone, answering calls, receiving notifications, playing music, and interacting with the voice assistant. Core AI capabilities will rely on Siri, which will be significantly upgraded in iOS 27. The report says Apple is incorporating the glasses into a broader three-pronged AI wearable strategy. The other two prongs are the new AirPods and a pendant device equipped with a camera. All three use computer vision to sense the user’s surroundings, providing context awareness for Siri and Apple Intelligence. Four Frame Styles and "Iconic" Design Ambition The four frame styles being tested by Apple’s design team are: a large rectangular frame resembling Ray-Ban Wayfarers; a slimmer rectangular design similar to the glasses typically worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook; a larger oval or round frame; and a smaller, more refined oval or round frame. For colors, Apple is exploring various finishes including black, ocean blue, and light brown. The frames are made from acetate, a material renowned in the eyewear industry for its durability and premium feel. This sharply contrasts with Meta’s reliance on partner EssilorLuxottica to provide frames—Apple plans to fully lead the design in-house. The camera design is the most recognizable part of Apple’s differentiation strategy. Apple is reportedly considering a vertically oriented oval lens with surrounding lighting, sharply distinct from Meta’s round camera. Apple internally refers to this instantly recognizable product identity as its "icon," following the design principles of AirPods and Apple Watch—not aiming to be first, but striving to be the most distinctive. Competitively, Meta holds an early advantage with its Ray-Ban partnership, while Google and Samsung are teaming up with Warby Parker in the same field. Apple’s strategy is to build a moat through proprietary chips, an expansive retail network, and deep iPhone ecosystem integration. The report notes that if Siri’s upgrade delivers, Apple’s smart glasses could replicate the trajectory of Apple Watch—arriving later but ultimately taking the dominant position. However, the report points out that the true potential of this category depends on the maturity of high-quality, lightweight, long battery life augmented reality technology. Apple insiders generally believe this breakthrough will take several more years to achieve, likely not until the end of this decade—about eight years later than their original plan. Risk Warning and Disclaimer The market carries risks, and investment should be approached cautiously. This article does not constitute individual investment advice, nor does it take into account the specific investment goals, financial situation, or needs of any particular user. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article fit their specific circumstances. Investments made based on this information are at one’s own risk.