Apple Pauses Vision Pro Headset Revamp to Focus on AI-Powered Smart Glasses
CUPERTINO, Calif. - In a surprise move, Apple has shelved plans for a cheaper, lighter version of its Vision Pro headset to prioritize the development of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered smart glasses that can compete with Meta's offerings.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who broke the story, Apple had been working on a variant of its headset, code-named N100, which was set for release in 2027. However, the company has now redirected staff from this project to accelerate work on two types of smart glasses: one without a display and another with a display.
The first model, dubbed N50, will pair with an iPhone and rely heavily on voice interaction and AI, areas where Apple has historically struggled to excel. "We're excited about the potential of these new products," said an Apple spokesperson, who declined to comment further on the company's plans.
Industry insiders suggest that Apple's decision to focus on smart glasses is a strategic move to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving market for augmented reality (AR) and AI-powered wearables. "Apple is recognizing that the future of AR lies not just in headsets but also in more discreet, wearable devices," said Dr. Michael Fuchs, a leading expert in human-computer interaction.
The development of smart glasses with displays could potentially challenge Meta's recently released Ray-Ban Display, which has been touted as a major breakthrough in the field. Apple's version, which was initially planned for 2028, is now being accelerated to meet the growing demand for AR-enabled wearables.
As AI continues to transform industries and daily life, the implications of this development are far-reaching. "The shift towards AI-powered smart glasses marks a significant milestone in the evolution of wearable technology," said Dr. Fuchs. "It's not just about what we can see but also how we interact with our surroundings."
Apple's decision to prioritize smart glasses over its Vision Pro headset revamp highlights the company's willingness to adapt and innovate in response to changing market conditions. As the tech giant continues to push the boundaries of AI and AR, one thing is clear: the future of wearable technology has never looked brighter.
Background: Apple first introduced its Vision Pro headset in 2023, which was met with mixed reviews from critics and consumers alike. The company's decision to pause development on a cheaper, lighter variant suggests that it is re-evaluating its priorities in the AR market.
Current Status: Apple is currently working on two types of smart glasses: one without a display (N50) and another with a display. The N50 model is expected to be unveiled as early as next year, while the version with a display is being accelerated for release in 2027.
Next Developments: As AI continues to play an increasingly important role in wearable technology, Apple's focus on smart glasses marks a significant shift towards more discreet and user-friendly AR-enabled devices. The implications of this development will be closely watched by industry insiders and consumers alike as the tech giant continues to push the boundaries of innovation.
*Reporting by Apple.*
