Apple Shifts Focus from Vision Pro Headset to AI-Powered Smart Glasses
In a surprise move, Apple has paused development of its cheaper, lighter Vision Pro headset, code-named N100, to accelerate work on artificial intelligence-powered smart glasses. The company's decision, reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, marks a significant shift in focus for the tech giant.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple had been preparing the N100 variant of its headset for release in 2027 but has now moved staff from this project to work on two types of smart glasses. The first model, dubbed N50, will pair with an iPhone and lack a display, aiming for a release as early as next year.
"We're seeing a trend where companies are shifting their focus from standalone headsets to more integrated, AI-driven devices," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert in human-computer interaction at Stanford University. "This move by Apple is likely an attempt to stay competitive in the market and leverage its strengths in AI."
The Vision Pro headset was initially designed to be a more affordable and lightweight alternative to Apple's existing AR/VR offerings. However, with the company's renewed focus on smart glasses, it appears that this project has been put on hold.
Apple's glasses will rely heavily on voice interaction and artificial intelligence, two areas where the company has faced criticism for its slow adoption. The tech giant is also working on a version with a display, which could potentially challenge Meta's recently released Ray-Ban Display.
The shift in focus raises questions about the future of standalone headsets like Apple's Vision Pro. "This move by Apple suggests that they're prioritizing a more integrated experience, where AI and voice interaction play a central role," said Dr. Kim. "It will be interesting to see how this affects the overall AR/VR landscape."
As for what's next, Apple is expected to unveil its N50 smart glasses model as soon as next year, with a release in 2027. The company's more advanced version with a display is also being accelerated, aiming for a release in 2028.
In a statement, an Apple spokesperson said the company remains committed to its AR/VR efforts but declined to comment further on the specifics of its smart glasses development.
The implications of this move are far-reaching, with potential impacts on industries such as healthcare, education, and entertainment. As AI-powered devices become increasingly prevalent, it's clear that companies like Apple will need to adapt and innovate to stay ahead in the market.
With the tech giant's renewed focus on smart glasses, one thing is certain: the future of AR/VR is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
*Reporting by Apple.*
