Apple develops Siri-enabled smart glasses under code name N50

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple will introduce Siri-enabled smart glasses at WWDC and release them by the end of the year or the end of next year. Digital Trends’ reporting on Bloomberg set an unveiling at WWDC next June, while separate reporting points to a possible late-2027 debut for the device known internally as N50.

Digital Trends’ reporting on Bloomberg set an unveiling at WWDC next June, while The Apple Post’s reporting on Gurman’s Bloomberg report pointed to a 2027 debut for the glasses, and Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter set the announcement for WWDC 2027 and the launch later in 2027. Separate reporting points to a possible late-2027 launch for Apple’s first smart glasses, though supplier comments do not establish a launch date.

Apple is developing the device under the internal code name N50, and Bloomberg has characterized it as an AI-focused wearable instead of a miniature Vision Pro. Prototype frames have oval lenses with cameras mounted flush against the body rather than protruding, and Apple employees have likened the concept to AirPods worn on the face. The prototype frames are slightly thinner than Meta’s second-generation Ray-Ban glasses and are not expected to project augmented-reality graphics into the wearer’s line of sight. Built-in cameras, microphones, and speakers sit alongside touch-based controls, and the device is expected to use a custom chip like the technology in the Apple Watch.

The debut glasses will not run apps directly and will serve as an accessory for a nearby iPhone, with third-party apps remaining on the paired handset instead of running on the glasses themselves. Only recent iPhone models are compatible, and Android is not supported. Though a Wi-Fi connection allows audio listening after the wearer walks away from the paired iPhone, the glasses are not fully standalone. The device reportedly runs a pared-down version of visionOS 28, software Apple originally built for its Vision Pro headset, and Apple has suggested uses including identifying buildings and asking what to cook based on ingredients inside a fridge.

Wearers will speak with Siri to complete tasks in their apps, and the device will display iPhone notifications, permit message replies, translate conversations live, manage calendar entries and reminders, control music, and connect to smart home devices. The list of examples includes OpenTable reservations, Uber or Lyft rides, Starbucks coffee orders, Amazon shopping, and Fandango movie tickets. iOS 27.3 will enable precise voice control over Apple’s own apps through Siri, and third-party app support will arrive next year. The iOS 27.3 developer preview lets developers experiment with more advanced Siri AI actions through App Intents, and software built with expanded Siri AI capabilities should reach the App Store in spring 2027.

Visual Intelligence is the Apple AI model that examines the world through cameras and answers questions, and engineers call the audio quality industry-leading. Separately, Apple is developing an AI agent system comparable to OpenAI’s dots, Meta’s Muse, Grok Bot, and Claude Duet.

Privacy-focused features are expected to be built around the Secure Exclave and Siri AI. The Secure Exclave works apart from the main system and cannot be pulled out of it, even if the main CPU is hacked. On the Apple Watch, the Secure Exclave powers Audio Intelligence features such as Live Rewind and Siri Recaps that analyze audio without capturing or recording files. Apple’s HomeView uses it to process audio and video feeds and authenticate users based on visible people and voice recognition without recording.

Apple’s complex HomeView system still permits FaceTime calls to use the camera through special permission structures.

A front light shows whether the glasses are active or charging, and an LED indicator comes on whenever the camera is running. Apple has not said whether users will be able to capture video, audio, or photos from the glasses or camera-equipped AirPods. Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses will let users capture video and photos, and users allegedly cannot cover or remove the recording light. Google’s Android XR glasses line faces similar privacy problems.

Apple’s smart glasses will compete directly with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have picked up the nickname pervert glasses amid abuse concerns. Apple plans to lean on its deep app ecosystem to give its glasses an edge over rivals such as Meta, and the company’s advantage lies in the size of its existing iPhone developer ecosystem.

The company has not announced the exact apps and actions it will support at launch, and Apple also faces the challenge of persuading developers to adopt new Siri capabilities designed for a screenless experience. A proprietary magnetic connector on the left arm allows testers to use the glasses while they charge, though it remains unclear whether charging while in use will be available at launch. Apple has also experimented with other front-facing privacy-related features.

Quick Intelligent Equipment said at its Nov. 10 third-quarter results briefing that it participated in Apple AI glasses and new smart earphone projects. The supplier expects the work to drive demand for precision welding, assembly, and machine-vision inspection tools. Those remarks do not establish mass production, contract values, volumes, specifications, battery life, or launch dates.

Separately, Apple is exploring camera-equipped AirPods that could give Siri information about the wearer’s surroundings. AirPods with Cameras are expected to arrive before Apple’s smart glasses, with a similar feature set, and a supplier has also acknowledged work involving AI glasses and earbuds.

AppleInsider’s track record on the Apple Vision team is spotty, including earlier claims of a late-2026 launch before the shift to late 2027. The publication blames Siri AI delays and development snags for the timing shift and urges skepticism, as with all rumors. The outlet has repeatedly made errors in its reporting on Apple Vision Pro moves.