New Delhi

Apple has long been rumoured to be developing augmented reality (AR) smart glasses, but the company has yet to announce a launch date. Meanwhile, competitors like Meta have already rolled out multiple smart glasses, including the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 and the more advanced Meta Ray-Ban Display.

Recent reports suggest that Apple’s internally codenamed N50 AR glasses were initially expected to debut in late 2025, featuring a compact display and app support. New insights from a US patent reveal that Apple may have addressed a key challenge in wearable design, potentially setting its device apart from rivals.

Design That Resembles Traditional Eyewear

According to Patently Apple, the new patent shows that Apple has reportedly solved a “critical” alignment issue that other companies, including Meta, have struggled with. The patent suggests that Apple has achieved precise placement of optical components, such as projectors and waveguides within the AR display.

The glasses are also expected to offer adjustable arms designed for comfort and secure fit, closely resembling conventional eyewear. This design feature could distinguish Apple’s smart glasses from competitors in terms of usability and everyday wearability.

Advanced Internal Components

The patent describes an electronic housing near the display frame that may include projectors, waveguides, speakers, processors, and batteries. The housing is designed to be rigid, maintaining proper optical alignment and keeping the distance between the projector and AR display consistent.

Additionally, the arms of the glasses will reportedly feature forward-set hinges, unlike the traditional placement near the temples. The arms are said to be segmented, beginning with the hinge at the front, followed by an elongated segment reaching the ears, and an optional second joint for folding. All components are integrated into the slim eyewear arms, combining functionality with a sleek profile.

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Launch Timeline and Expectations

Earlier reports by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested that Apple’s AR glasses might launch later this year, but it now appears the timeline has been pushed back. Gurman noted that the N50 device would feature a small display and support apps, similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, which allow users to scroll through apps like Instagram directly from the device. However, Apple has not officially confirmed the development of such a product.

With these design improvements, Apple’s AR glasses could offer a more comfortable and practical wearable experience, potentially raising the bar for the next generation of smart eyewear.