Apple is preparing to directly challenge the Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses with its own display-free smart glasses, internally code-named N50. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is currently testing at least four distinct frame styles for the device, which is expected to launch by early 2027. The move pits Apple against the second-generation Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses, which currently dominate the AI eyewear market.
Unlike its rivals, Apple is taking a premium approach to materials and design. The company is making the glasses from acetate, a durable, luxurious material, rather than standard plastic. This focus on high-end craftsmanship mirrors Apple’s strategy with the Apple Watch and AirPods, where the goal is to create designs that are “instantly recognizable” as Apple.
How Apple plans to beat the Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses?
The upcoming Apple glasses will feature cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling them to capture photos and videos, play music, handle phone calls, and interact with an upgraded version of Siri. Apple is betting on deep integration with the iPhone to differentiate its product from the Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses, making the glasses a seamless accessory for tasks like editing, sharing, and notifications.
Key features and details include:
- Four frame styles: A large rectangular frame reminiscent of Ray-Ban Wayfarers, a slimmer rectangular design similar to Tim Cook’s glasses, a larger oval or circular frame, and a smaller, refined oval or circular option.
- Premium materials: The glasses will be built from acetate, positioning them above the standard plastic of most smart eyewear.
- Distinctive camera design: Apple is considering vertically oriented oval lenses with surrounding indicator lights, a departure from the circular design of the Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses.
- Color options: Black, ocean blue, and light brown.
- Release timeline: Apple could reveal the glasses as early as late 2026 or early 2027, with an official release following in 2027.
While the Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses have a two-generation head start, Apple’s strengths in brand, in-house chips, retail presence, and iPhone integration position it well to compete. Meta’s latest models, starting at $499, have focused on prescription-lens compatibility and features like real-time translation and nutrition tracking. However, Apple’s ability to create a tightly integrated ecosystem could give it a decisive edge.
In conclusion, Apple is preparing to challenge the Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses with a premium, display-free alternative that emphasizes design, materials, and deep iPhone integration — potentially reshaping the AI eyewear market when it arrives in 2027.
