The race for your face: Apple is going all-in on the smart glasses market with a new product designed to become an everyday accessory rather than just an experimental gadget. According to journalist Mark Gurman, one of Apple’s most reliable internal sources, the company is currently developing a series of display-free smart glasses that will directly compete with Meta’s glasses.
According to the report, the product marks a shift from Apple’s original vision for augmented reality glasses. While the company previously aimed to develop advanced glasses that overlay digital information onto the real world, it is now focusing on a simpler model, similar in approach to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, intended for comfortable daily use.
The new glasses, internally codenamed N50, will allow users to take photos and videos, make phone calls, listen to music, and receive notifications - all controlled by voice. Deep integration with the iPhone will be central, and Siri is expected to undergo a significant upgrade to support a seamless, hands-free experience.
One of the standout features is the use of artificial intelligence and visual recognition. The glasses will be able to understand the user’s surroundings and provide real-time relevant information, such as more accurate navigation directions or reminders related to what the user is currently looking at.
In terms of design, Apple is not settling for a single model. According to the report, the company is developing at least four different frame styles, including large rectangular designs, thinner classic-style frames, as well as round or oval frames in various sizes. The goal is to create a product that is also a fashion item, similar to AirPods or the Apple Watch.
One of the more intriguing innovations is the camera system: Instead of circular lenses, Apple is exploring an oval vertical lens design surrounded by dedicated lighting - a move that could help differentiate it from competitors. The materials are also expected to be more premium, using acetate, a more durable and high-quality material than standard plastic.
Apple’s strategy is clear: Not to be first, but to be the best. As it did with the iPhone and the smartwatch, the company aims to enter an existing market, improve the user experience, and deeply integrate it into its ecosystem. In this case, the main advantage is expected to be tight synchronization with the iPhone, along with advanced chips and an AI-based software platform.
However, even within Apple it is understood that the true vision is still far away. Fully developed augmented reality glasses capable of projecting high-quality information onto the real world are still considered an immature technology. According to estimates, a breakthrough in this field will only arrive toward the end of the decade. Until then, the new glasses may serve as an important intermediate step - one that tests consumer readiness to adopt wearable computing as an integral part of daily life. If Apple succeeds, the smartphone may no longer be the main device in our pockets, but rather just a docking station for what we wear directly on our faces.