According to reports from Bloomberg, tech giant Apple is reportedly testing four distinct designs for its upcoming smart glasses. The frames range from a large rectangular model similar to CEO Tim Cook's own specs, to smaller oval and circular options in various hues of black, ocean blue, and light brown.

The absence of displays means these glasses won’t offer augmented reality experiences, instead focusing on basic functionalities like photo-taking, video recording, calling and music playback. However, users will still be able to interact with Siri, the company's digital assistant, which promises an upgrade for the future.

Apple’s plans come as a shift from their previous ambitious strategy to launch multiple mixed and augmented reality devices, which had faced delays and lukewarm public reception. This new approach seems more in line with competitor Meta’s Ray-Ban style glasses, suggesting a simpler execution this time around.

The company is expected to unveil these glasses by the end of 2023 or early 2024, with potential release in 2027. However, the success of such devices hinges not just on design and functionality but also on consumer acceptance and market trends. Only time will tell if this step back from AR has strategic merit.