Apple's N50 smart glasses reportedly omit a display, focusing on camera, microphone, and deep ecosystem integration

According to several sources, Apple's smart glasses will not be equipped with a display, but will incorporate a camera, a microphone, a speaker, and deep integration with the ecosystem. Illustration: Popular Mechanics. Following the iPhone with rumors of a foldable screen, nicknamed the “iPhone Ultra,” Apple's next notable product is reported to be smart glasses, named N50, which is likely to be unveiled next year. According to sources cited by PhoneArena, Apple has decided to design and manufacture the temple frames in-house, rather than partnering with eyewear giants such as EssilorLuxottica (the partner behind Meta's eyewear). The glasses are said to use acetate material, with three shapes currently being tested: the classic Wayfarer; a rectangular shape similar to Tim Cook's usual eyewear style; and an oval shape. In terms of color, Apple is considering three basic options: black, ocean blue, and light brown. However, N50 will only include basic features, not equipped with a display, and will not be an augmented reality (AR) device. This means the product will not have the ability to display 3D graphics layered over the real world as AR products that Meta is developing. Ray-Ban Meta glasses – Photo: Meta. In this context, the success or failure of N50 will likely depend on two key factors: Apple's brand strength and the effective deployment of the new generation of the Siri virtual assistant. N50 is positioned as a component of the wearable device ecosystem Apple is building. In addition to glasses, the company may develop other accessories such as a camera-equipped necklace, or AirPods with cameras. The entire ecosystem will operate around the Apple Intelligence platform and Siri, continuously ingesting real-world data, transforming it into timely and useful suggestions and feedback.~ The smart glasses will enable users to interact with the virtual assistant, take calls, listen to music, and more without needing to use a phone. N50 is likely to be produced only in limited quantities to gauge market reaction. Previously, Apple also experimented with XR (extended reality) technology via Apple Vision Pro, which did not meet expectations. According to PhoneArena, if this line of smart glasses is well received, the company will likely quickly develop higher-end versions, potentially incorporating 2D displays or, further still, AR displays. Meanwhile, the smart glasses market currently shows dominance by Ray-Ban (Meta). More than a decade of investment in VR has helped Meta position itself as the “leader” of the XR market emerging. Meta is even aiming to launch genuine AR glasses in the near future. Undeniably, Meta has contributed greatly to XR development. However, the way the company handles user data raises concerns. Currently, not only Apple or Meta, many other names are expanding in this field. Among them, Google and Samsung are quietly developing VR glasses, though specific information remains highly limited.