After many years spent by Apple developing augmented reality glasses, it seems that it is now moving towards a different option, as it is working on smart glasses without a screen, in a move that may open new horizons for it in the wearable devices market.
According to what Mark Gurman mentioned in his “Power On” publication, the glasses bearing the code name “N50” may appear for the first time at the end of this year or the beginning of 2027, with sales starting during the year 2027.
These glasses will not have a display screen, but they will come as Apple’s version of the “Meta” Ray-Ban glasses, with cameras for taking photos and video, speakers for calls and music, in addition to hands-free interaction via “Siri”, which is supposed to be greatly improved with the “iOS 27” system.
Apple designs the frames internally, outside of the fashion partnerships adopted by other companies. Information indicates that there are four designs currently under testing, including a large Wayfarer-like frame, a thinner rectangular frame, and two oval models, one larger and the other smaller and more elegant.
The glasses will be made of acetate, a premium material that is more durable than traditional plastic, and will be available in black, ocean blue and tan.
The “N50” is not viewed as a standalone product, but rather as part of a broader strategy that also includes “AirPods” equipped with a camera and a necklace containing a camera, as part of a trend that aims to read the surrounding environment and provide “Siri” and “Apple Intelligence” with contextual information.
Apple’s original plan was completely different, as it aimed years ago to launch an augmented reality headset linked to the iPhone by 2020, then full augmented reality glasses by 2022, but what actually arrived on the market was only “Vision Pro,” after years of delay, while true augmented reality glasses are still far away.
Although Apple seems to be lagging behind compared to competitors like Meta, this is nothing new in the company’s approach. They often enter markets later than others, but they rely on their ability to make up for the lag through deep integration with their devices, the use of custom chips, and a strong presence in retail stores.
The decisive element in the success of these glasses remains linked to the performance of “Siri”. If Apple succeeds in presenting a smarter and more useful version within iOS 27, these glasses may turn into a real extension of the iPhone. However, if Siri does not live up to expectations, it may be difficult for the device to achieve the expected difference. (phone arena)
