Apple testing four frame designs for AI smart glasses ahead of 2027 launch

Apple is testing four acetate frame designs for AI-powered smart glasses targeting a spring/summer 2027 launch. The designs include large and slim rectangular styles and two oval variants, with colors like black, ocean blue, and light brown. Hardware features the custom N401 chip (based on Apple Watch S-series), two cameras (one for photo/video, one for computer vision), microphones, and spatial sensors — but no display. Siri serves as the primary interface, running on the overhauled assistant powered partly by a custom Gemini model via Apple's Google partnership. The glasses target sub-50g weight, all-day battery life, and an approximate $499 price point. Apple is also developing a camera-equipped AI pendant and camera AirPods as part of a broader ambient AI wearable strategy. The product enters a market already validated by Meta's 7 million+ Ray-Ban AI glasses sold in 2025, with Google also preparing to launch Android XR glasses in 2026.