Apple Smart Glasses Race Heats Up: Four Frame Styles Confirmed for Late 2026

The smart glasses race is accelerating. Apple is now testing four different acetate frame styles for its first AI-powered smart glasses, according to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and corroborated by AppleInsider. The glasses will feature vertically oriented oval camera lenses, Apple Intelligence integration, and Siri — but no in-lens AR display.

What We Know

• Four frame styles made from premium acetate material — more durable and luxurious than the plastic used by Meta and others
• Three colors: black, ocean blue, and light brown
• Cameras, speakers, and microphones for photos, video, calls, and AI visual recognition
• Apple Intelligence for real-time translation, object identification, and contextual help via Siri
• No in-lens display — audio feedback only, similar to current Ray-Ban Meta

Timeline

Apple has made "significant progress" and could be ready for production by end of 2026, with a public announcement late 2026 and sales starting early 2027. This is part of a broader three-pronged AI wearable strategy that also includes camera-equipped AirPods and an AI pendant.

What This Means for Buyers

Meta currently holds 72.2% of the smart glasses market, but Apple's entry could reshape the landscape overnight. If you're waiting for Apple, you'll likely be waiting until 2027. If you need smart glasses now, the Ray-Ban Meta at $379 on Amazon remains the best option. The Even Realities G2 is a strong privacy-focused alternative without cameras. Read our full analysis.