Apple Shifts Focus from Vision Pro to AI-Powered Smart Glasses

Apple shelves Vision Pro overhaul to focus on AI glasses | TechCrunch

Apple is sidelining plans to overhaul its Vision Pro VR glasses to focus on developing AI smart glasses that can compete with products from Meta, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Although the company had been developing a cheaper and lighter version of its Vision Pro, Apple is moving staff from that project to work on smart glasses. Bloomberg reports that the tech giant is developing at least two types of smart glasses. The first model, nicknamed N50, will pair with an iPhone and not have its own display. Apple reportedly plans to unveil these smart glasses as soon as next year and release them in 2027. The second version of smart glasses that the company is working on include a display. These glasses would compete with the Meta Ray-Ban Display, which were unveiled last month. While Apple had planned to release this version of its smart glasses in 2028, the company is now working to expedite development. Despite its recent shift in focus, Apple lags behind Meta, which launched its first smart glasses in 2021.

Apple sidelines lighter Vision Pro to prioritize smart glasses

Apple is speeding up work on smart glasses that would compete with similar offerings from Meta and halting plans for a lighter Vision Pro headset, Bloomberg reports. The company is apparently working on at least two different versions: a pair without a display that it could reveal next year and launch in 2027, and a pair with a display originally planned for 2028 that the company wants to "accelerate development" on. Like Meta's smart glasses made in partnership with Ray-Ban and Oakley, Apple's glasses will have speakers, cameras, come in multiple styles, and "will rely heavily on voice interaction and artificial intelligence," according to Bloomberg. The version of the glasses with a display "could challenge" the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, which have a display in the right lens. Apple is also working on a chip specifically designed for its smart glasses, Bloomberg has previously reported.

Apple halts Vision Pro overhaul to focus on AI glasses, Bloomberg News reports

Oct 1 (Reuters) - Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab has halted a planned overhaul of its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset to shift resources to smart glasses that would rival products from Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The iPhone maker had been preparing a cheaper, lighter variant of its headset, code-named N100, for release in 2027, Bloomberg said. But the company told staff internally last week that it is reallocating employees from that project to accelerate work on glasses. The $3,499 Vision Pro, launched in February 2024 to heavy fanfare, has struggled to sustain momentum amid a thin slate of mainstream content and competition from cheaper devices such as Meta's Quest. Apple is working on at least two types of smart glasses, the report said. The first, dubbed N50, will pair with an iPhone and lack its own display. Apple aims to unveil the model as soon as next year, ahead of a release in 2027. The second version, with a display, is planned for 2028, but Apple is now seeking to accelerate development of the product that could challenge the Meta Ray-Ban Display, the report said. In September, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg showed off the company's first consumer-ready $800 smart glasses with a built-in display and a new wristband controller at Meta's Connect event. Meta also unveiled a new pair of Oakley-branded glasses called Vanguard aimed at athletes. Apple's glasses will rely heavily on voice interaction and artificial intelligence, the report said. The company declined to comment on the report when contacted by Reuters. At its annual product launch event last month, Apple introduced an upgraded line of iPhones, alongside a slimmer iPhone Air. The event, however, was light on evidence of how Apple -- a laggard in the AI race -- aims to close the gap with the likes of Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab, which showcased the capabilities of its Gemini AI model in its latest flagship phones. Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Tasim Zahid Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Apple is reportedly pulling staff from the Vision Pro to work on its smart glasses

Apple had big plans for the the future of the Vision Pro, but it has reportedly put them on the back burner and has prioritized the development of smart glasses that can compete directly against the Meta Ray-Bans. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company told staff last week that it's moving team members working on a cheaper and lighter version of the Vision Pro to accelerate the development of its smart glasses. Apple is apparently developing two models, one of which, called the "N50," has no display of its own and will pair with iPhones. The company reportedly intends to launch it sometime next year and will it release in 2027. Bloomberg says Apple is also working on smart glasses with an augmented reality display that can rival the Meta Ray-Ban Display. It was going to release the model in 2028, but now Apple is looking to expedite its development, presumably so it could be available at an earlier date. Like Meta's smart glasses, Apple's devices will rely heavily on voice interaction and AI commands. Bloomberg previously reported that Apple is releasing an updated Siri next year that's powered by large language models, meant for use on displays, speakers and, yes, glasses. Apple's smart glasses will reportedly come in a variety of styles, will be powered by a new chip and will have speakers for playback, as well as cameras to capture images and videos. The company is looking to equip it with health-tracking capabilities, as well. It has long been reported that Apple's ultimate goal was to release augmented reality glasses of its own, since they could rival phones in the future. If this report is true, Apple is merely adjusting its timeline, especially since it's now fairly behind Meta in the space. While Apple's priorities have shifted, it hasn't abandoned the Vision Pro altogether. The FCC recently uploaded documents referencing an updated "Head Mounted Device" by Apple, though it's unclear if it's the upcoming lighter version that's supposed to be cheaper than the $3,499 original model.

Apple Vision Air reportedly shelved over smart glasses development - 9to5Mac

As reported by Bloomberg, Apple has decided to shelve the cheaper and lighter overhaul of the Apple Vision Pro, to speed up the development of its first competitors to Meta's AI glasses. Here are the details. If you follow Apple Vision Pro news, you probably know that Apple had reportedly been working on lighter version of the headset, which was slated for a 2027 release with a cheaper price tag. Alongside the cheaper and lighter Apple Vision Pro variant, Apple has been developing a few other head-mounted products, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo: Specifically about the 1st-gen Apple glasses, Bloomberg reported earlier this year that Tim Cook had made the project a "top priority," despite reports of a 2027 launch. Meanwhile, Meta has already sold over 2 million units of its smart glasses, made in partnership with Luxottica, and has just announced the Meta Ray-Ban Display, its first display-enabled AI glasses. Now, Bloomberg reports that Apple has shelved the higher Vision Pro variant, "to redirect resources toward (...)developing smart glasses that can rival products from Meta Platforms Inc." From the report: "The company is working on at least two types of smart glasses. The first one, dubbed N50, will pair with an iPhone and lack its own display. Apple aims to unveil this model as soon as next year, ahead of a release in 2027, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters." Bloomberg also says that Apple is working on display-powered glasses, which are slated for 2028, "but the company is now looking to accelerate development." The report also mentions that, like with Meta's devices, Apple's glasses "will rely heavily on voice interaction and artificial intelligence," despite the company's recent struggles with the latter. The glasses will reportedly run on a new chip, come in a variety of styles, and may include health capabilities. Do you think Apple's change of plans is the right move? Let us know in the comments.

Apple's 2026 Smart Glasses: Five Key Features to Expect

Apple is working on a set of smart glasses to rival the Meta Ray-Bans, and now that Meta has debuted glasses that include a display, Apple wants to speed up development on its first-generation model. Work has stopped on the next Vision Pro so that Apple can prioritize getting the glasses to market. Like the initial versions of the Apple Watch, the Apple Glasses will be a fashion accessory rather than clunky frames with limited style availability. Apple is planning to offer multiple frame and temple material options for a personalized look. There needs to be space for a battery, a chip, and multiple cameras, so it's not clear how slim Apple can get the glasses, but different color, size, and shape options are likely. Meta had limited color and style options for its Ray-Bans to begin with, but over the last few years, it's added more shapes and colors, and expanded to Oakley frames. Apple can't release smart glasses until it has a functional, next-generation version of Siri. Controls will be largely voice based, which means Siri needs to be intelligent enough to understand what you want and act on it. Apple rearchitected Siri with large language models, and a smarter Siri that's more like Claude, Gemini, or ChatGPT is coming in spring 2026. You should be able to ask Siri all kinds of questions, and with cameras integrated into Apple's glasses, Siri could be able to do things like provide feedback on what you're seeing, look things up for you, translate foreign languages, remember where you parked or put your keys, offer instructions to help you with tasks, play music, send messages, and more. Apple will want to match many of the features of the Meta Ray-Bans, and Meta AI can do all of the above. Apple's first-generation glasses won't include a display like Meta's latest Ray-Ban Display glasses, but they will have the same AI features, cameras, and audio capabilities of Meta's less expensive Ray-Bans. We don't know everything about Apple's glasses yet, but we've heard rumors about some of the capabilities that will be included. The Apple glasses will have an Apple-designed chip that's based on the chip in the Apple Watch, but you're still going to need an iPhone to use them. They won't be able to operate standalone, and will need a connection to an iPhone for AI processing and other features. We don't know what the battery life will be like, but handing tasks off to the iPhone should help extend battery life. Apple is speeding up development on the smart glasses, and current rumors suggest Apple could show them off in late 2026. It sounds like Apple might announce them in 2026 and then launch them in early 2027. There is no word yet on how much the glasses might cost, but Meta Ray-Bans start at $380 and Apple may want to price its version competitively. We have an Apple Glasses guide that aggregates all of the rumors that we've heard so far. We update it regularly when new info comes out.

Apple shelves cheaper Vision Pro to focus on smart glasses, report says

Apple is shifting focus from the Apple Vision Pro to a new line of smart glasses. Credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images We all know the problem with the Apple Vision Pro: It's too expensive. Now, Apple is deprioritizing a more affordable follow-up to the futuristic VR headset to focus on Meta Ray-Ban-style smart glasses, a new report says. According to Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple has apparently moved employees off its Vision Pro redo in order to focus its teams on producing a competitor to Meta's smart glasses. The cheaper Vision Pro was penciled in for a 2027 launch, and is not to be confused with the Apple Vision Pro 2, which is a separate, slightly upgraded version of the existing Vision Pro headset. The Vision Pro 2 is still on track for launch next year, we think. However, Apple had also reportedly been working on the more affordable and lightweight version of the Apple Vision Pro after sales of its $3,499 AR/VR headset plummeted following its launch early last year. While a major change to the company's Vision Pro plans shouldn't be too shocking, Apple's shift to focus on smart glasses is certainly a noteworthy development. Currently, Samsung, Google, Meta, Amazon, and a host of ambitious startups are racing to release new smart glasses, and we've known for awhile now that Apple is working on its own smart glasses, too. Gurman reports that Apple has two separate smart glasses products in the works, one with a display integrated in the device and another without a display that pairs with a user's iPhone. Apple is aiming to launch its display-less smart glasses model, internally known as N50, as soon as next year, Gurman predicts. This model was originally slated for a 2027 release before Apple's shift. Apple was looking at 2028 release for the smart glass model with a display but that targeted release period may move up too, Gurman's reprort says. Apple's smart glasses would heavily feature AI and voice interaction. The company is currently rebuilding Siri to be more of an AI-powered voice assistant in-line with similar products like ChatGPT from OpenAI. Apple's smart glasses will also come with various styling options and include built-in speakers and cameras. The device will also run off of a brand new chip from Apple. The company is expected to continue to integrate its health-tracking technologies within the smart glasses too. Meta has found some success with its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, so Apple is playing catchup with some of its rivals. However, Apple has been in this position before with countless other products. Just look at the iPhone, which debuted in 2007, long after other mobile phone companies had become giants in the space.

Apple has reportedly abandoned the Vision Pro 2 to make smart glasses, but I'm worried they'll repeat the same mistakes

Apple is, for many, synonymous with technological excellence. It might not always be first to market with a brand new consumer product, but when its version drops it's unbeatable. Nowhere is that less true, however, than with the Vision Pro. Beautiful yet uncomfortable, powerful yet lacking in software to really take advantage of it, packed with interesting features that bloat the price to an absurd $3,499 / £3,499 / AU$5,999. It impressed at launch but long-term users came to realize it was not the Apple product of tomorrow many hoped it might be. Apple dropped the ball, and while there have been rumors that a follow-up would emerge in the coming years - either a full-on sequel or perhaps an Air (read: more budget-friendly) version, or both - but now there are reports that idea has been shelved for the next big thing: smart glasses. I think this is probably the right decision, but I also wonder if Apple will simply make the same mistakes all over again. This leak comes via Bloomberg's Mark Gurman - whose insiders are often right on the money with Apple leaks, though as always take rumors with a pinch of salt - and says that Apple is diverting resources (including staff) away from Apple Vision Pro's successor towards glasses. What's more, we've been told Apple's developing two smart glasses. One with a display, and one without - mimicking the Meta Ray-Ban Display and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The latter may land in 2027 - though might get unveiled next year - while the display glasses are currently tipped for 2028. That said, with this new devotion to glasses, both pairs may land a little sooner. Assuming nothing changes, this would firmly plant Apple behind all of its rivals. Meta already has display and non-display smart specs, Android XR (Samsung and others partnering with Google) are expected to launch a variety of glasses next year, and other players like Snap are due to launch full-on consumer AR specs next year too. Some may be exclusive to Android, but Snap and Meta's glasses are more phone agnostic (Snap's specs will likely be their own independent device). There's a very real risk that the people who might want Apple glasses would already be in bed with a pair from someone else long before they arrive. At the same time, Apple also has some goodwill to rebuild. Apple fumbled the iPhone 16 when it over-promised AI abilities before it had them - with the iPhone 17 launch notably lacking in similar repeat claims, and some of those features that have still yet to be delivered a year after being promised. Smart glasses are, however, reliant on AI for their best functions. Based on its history, I know I wouldn't trust Apple to deliver excellent AI glasses, not without help. It could use ChatGPT like it has done with Siri so far, but then Apple would have to find other ways to justify its glasses against the competition that also uses ChatGPT - and the many services boasting first-party AI that they can adapt to directly fit their needs like Meta and Google. This inexperience and late arrival to the party perfectly mimics Apple's recent attempts at smart speakers and a VR headset. Unfortunately for Apple, both flopped. However, if Apple can somehow pull something out of the bag, I could see Apple smart glasses being the best-selling gadget of 2027 - Meta's Ray-Bans are already hugely popular, and they don't have the technological hardware notoriety of Apple. We'll have to wait and see what it can deliver when/if its smart glasses land, but I'm seriously hoping for a big swing from Apple. At the same time, I'm not holding my breath.

Apple Stops Work on Lighter Vision Pro to Fast-Track AI Smart Glasses

Apple has decided to stop work on a cheaper, lighter version of the $3,499 Vision Pro to instead focus its resources on smart glasses, reports Bloomberg. Apple wants to speed up development on a glasses product to better compete with Meta. There were rumors that Apple was developing a a much lighter, more affordable "Vision Air" for launch in 2027, but Apple is now transitioning engineers from that project to its smart glasses project. Apple is working on a set of smart glasses that will rival Meta's AI-equipped Ray-Bans. The glasses will include cameras, microphones, and AI capabilities. Apple could introduce the glasses as soon as next year, and then launch them in 2027. There won't be a display in the first version of the glasses, but Apple is developing another model that will include an integrated display. Apple wanted to debut the version with a display in 2028, but it is now aiming to speed up development because Meta just recently announced the Meta Ray-Ban Display AI glasses. The Meta-Ray Ban Display glasses include a full-color, high-resolution display in one of the lenses. The display is able to display messages, photos, and information from Meta AI. Meta's glasses look similar to regular glasses despite the added screen, and they are the first step toward Meta's "Orion" augmented reality glasses. Meta unveiled its AR glasses last year, showing off thick pair of glasses with dual AR displays. Both Apple and Meta are aiming to launch lightweight augmented reality glasses in the future. Apple delayed Siri after the assistant didn't meet expectations for promised Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18, but an updated version of Siri built on new architecture is expected in spring 2026. Apple plans to release its first smart glasses with multiple material and frame options, turning them into a fashion accessory. Buyers will be able to choose their preferred color and frame style. The glasses will have an Apple-designed chip inside, but will still be reliant on a connected iPhone. Other features will include cameras, microphones, and health tracking capabilities. While work on a lighter version of the Vision Pro has been paused for now, Apple still plans to refresh the current model with an M5 chip later this year.

Apple Is Reportedly Pausing the Vision Pro 2 to Fast-Track Smart Glasses

Two versions of Apple glasses -- one audio-and-AI focused, and the other with a display -- are planned. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. Apple has reportedly paused its plan to revamp its Vision Pro headset in favor of speeding up development of smart glasses. According to Bloomberg, Apple internally announced last week that it was shifting employees and resources away from the next iteration of the Vision Pro and towards developing two models of yet unnamed Apple-branded smart glasses. The first Apple glasses, codenamed N50, are audio-and-AI-focused spectacles designed to pair with iPhones, similar to the first generation of Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Apple is aiming to get them to market in 2026. The second, more ambitious, Apple glasses will feature a display, like the second generation of Meta smart glasses. According to Bloomberg's sources, the release date for Apple display glasses was originally 2028, but the company has decided to speed up development in order to release them sooner. Apple isn't halting all work on the Vision Pro. The company is apparently still planning to release an improved version of its headset later this year. The Vision Pro will feature a faster chip (and no doubt other modest improvements) but it isn't a new generation of the headset. Apple is also reportedly working on revamping Siri for a planned March 2026 release. The more powerful AI agent will no doubt be included in everything Apple, from phones, computers, and cameras, to smart glasses. Given the disappointing sales of Apple Vision Pro headsets, and how far Apple is behind the industry leader in the smart glasses space -- Meta released its original AI-equipped smart glasses in 2021 -- it's not surprising that the company would be allocating resources toward playing catch up. But it's disappointing news for fans of Apple Vision Pro. If the company is halting development of the next generation of its VR headset, support for the current generation will likely suffer. If you're on the fence about whether to buy a pair of smart glasses or a VR headset, all signs point to the future being heavy on glasses and augmented reality, and light on headsets and virtual reality. The eventual goal for tech companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Meta is creating true augmented reality in glasses that could replace smart phones entirely. How long it will take to develop a pair of specs that can replace your phone (and really the rest of your screens) remains to be seen, but I've used Meta's smart glasses every day for nearly a year, and tried going totally screenless for a day using Xreal display glasses, a smartphone-free future doesn't seem that far off.

Bloomberg: Apple pivots from VR headsets to build AI smart glasses

The iPhone-maker's smart gasses will rely heavily on voice interaction and AI and could Rival Meta's Ray-Ban Display glasses, say reports. Apple has paused work on a cheaper and lighter variant of its VR headset Vision Pro, pivoting development efforts, instead, toward smart glasses that compete with Meta, reports Bloomberg. Earlier this September, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that an Apple 'Vision Air' - as he called it - was slated for release in 2027. He estimated the new device to be more than 40pc lighter and more than 50pc cheaper than its predecessor. However, smart glasses have now taken precedence over developing the mixed reality headset at Apple, with the company gearing to move staff toward the new project, according to Bloomberg. While still relatively a niche, smart glasses have been a battleground for tech companies for a number of years - often with big swings and misses. "Glasses are going to be the next major computing platform", Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg claimed a year ago. His belief is that the tech would slowly replace smart phones somewhere in the 2030s. And the company has been working toward smart glasses for a number of years, releasing the Ray-Ban Stories in 2021 and Ray-Ban Meta in 2023. The company's latest development in the line, the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, retail for $799. It's fitted with AI capabilities and can run apps, similar to how a smartphone does. But the glasses failed a public demonstration in a glitch-filled performance in Zuckerberg's own hands just weeks ago, perhaps highlighting that the era of smart personal devices is not yet upon us. That, however, hasn't stopped Meta from spending more than $100bn on its virtual reality and augmented reality division in the last decade. In the last quarter, the division reported a $4.5bn loss, similar to a year earlier. In return, the company making Meta's smart glasses has sold around 2m of the Ray-Ban Meta camera glasses since its 2023 launch, and aims to sell 10m annually by the end of 2026. Meanwhile Zuckerberg hopes to sell up to 5m of his line of smart glasses by the end of this year. Apple is yet to launch its own line of smart glasses, though Bloomberg reports that the company is working on at least two versions. One, code named N50, can pair with an iPhone and lacks its own display. This is set to release in 2027. Another variant has a display, which could challenge Meta's new Ray-Ban Display glasses, sources tell the financial publication. This model is slated for 2028 - however, the company is now looking to accelerate its development. The iPhone-maker's smart gasses will rely heavily on voice interaction and AI, the report says, despite the company being slow to lead in either. Other tech giants working on smart glasses include Google, which introduced its Android XR glasses equipped with cameras and speakers and powered with Gemini. The company is expanding its work with Samsung to develop a hardware platform for the glasses. While Amazon also has its own line of smart glasses called Echo Frames that work with Alexa. Don't miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic's digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.

Apple shelves Vision Pro overhaul for development on Meta glasses rival

TL;DR: Apple is shifting focus from overhauling the Vision Pro headset to developing smart glasses competing with Meta's Ray-Ban AI glasses. Two models are planned: a lightweight iPhone-pairing version releasing by 2027 and a display-equipped competitor expected in 2028, featuring AI integration, voice activation, and advanced sensors. Apple is reportedly shifting its focus from overhauling the Vision Pro headset to developing a pair of smart glasses that will rival Meta's Ray-Ban AI glasses. The news comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, known for having his finger extremely close to the pulse of what is happening inside Apple. Gurman wrote in a recent Bloomberg piece that Apple has "hit pause" on the development of its planned overhaul of the Vision Pro headset, which included the company creating a cheaper, lighter version of the original headset. The cut-down version of the Vision Pro was slated for release sometime in 2027, but now it appears plans have changed. It appears Apple has recognized the potential of smart glasses technology, particularly in the form factor of sunglasses, as Gurman reports the company is working on at least two types of smart glasses. The first is internally dubbed N5 and will be capable of pairing directly with an iPhone and won't feature its own display. The N50 is expected to be unveiled as soon as next year and is slated for release, presumably, alongside the iPhone generation released in 2027, which will be the iPhone 19. As for the second pair, the Bloomberg reporter states these will be the direct competitor to Meta's Ray-Ban Display, as they will feature their own internal display similar to what Meta has designed. The second pair is scheduled for release sometime in 2028, but now the company has reallocated more resources to its development in hopes of speeding up the time to unveiling. Gurman adds that Apple's version of smart glasses will heavily rely on voice activation and artificial intelligence integration. A new chip is expected to power the devices, and they'll include speakers for music playback, cameras for recording, and will connect to a phone. Notably, Apple is still planning a refresh of the Vision Pro, but it won't come with any major redesigns, except for a more powerful chip.

Apple shelves vision headset revamp to prioritize Meta-like AI glasses

Apple Inc. has hit pause on a planned overhaul to its Vision Pro headset to redirect resources toward a more urgent effort: developing smart glasses that can rival products from Meta Platforms Inc. The company had been preparing a cheaper, lighter variant of its headset -- code-named N100 -- for release in 2027. But Apple announced internally last week that it's moving staff from that project to accelerate work on glasses, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Smart glasses have emerged as a critical arena for tech companies, which are racing to develop AI-centric devices. Future designs could eventually challenge smartphones as must-have technology, and Apple wants to be ready. The company is working on at least two types of smart glasses. The first one, dubbed N50, will pair with an iPhone and lack its own display. Apple aims to unveil this model as soon as next year, ahead of a release in 2027, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters. Apple is also working on a version with a display -- something that could challenge the just-released Meta Ray-Ban Display. The Apple version had been planned for 2028, but the company is now looking to accelerate development, the people said. A representative for Cupertino, California-based Apple declined to comment. Even with the shuffling of priorities, Apple remains well behind Meta. That company released its first smart glasses -- the Ray-Ban Stories -- in 2021. It then scored a surprise hit with a newer version called the Ray-Ban Meta that launched in 2023. Last month, Meta refreshed its non-display glasses with improved cameras, longer battery life and new designs tailored for athletes. For Meta, which has a mixed record in hardware technology, smart glasses have provided a new foothold in the devices market. Apple's glasses will rely heavily on voice interaction and artificial intelligence -- two areas where it hasn't always excelled. It was slow to introduce the Apple Intelligence platform and had to delay upgrades to its Siri voice assistant. But the company is working to turn things around on that front. Apple is betting that a rebuilt Siri, planned for as early as March, will help power a new range of devices, including glasses, speakers, displays and cameras. Other tech giants have their own ambitions for next-generation devices. Amazon.com Inc. and Alphabet Inc.'s Google are racing to launch a range of AI-powered hardware. And ChatGPT maker OpenAI has enlisted former Apple design guru Jony Ive to create a new collection of gadgets. The Apple glasses are expected to come in a variety of styles and run a new chip. They'll include speakers for music playback, cameras for media recording, and voice-control features that will work with a connected phone. Apple has also been exploring a suite of health-tracking capabilities for the device. The priority shift to glasses is just the latest change to the company's headset strategy following an underwhelming debut by the Vision Pro. The $3,499 product, which melds virtual and augmented reality, is seen as too heavy and expensive to be a mainstream hit. It's also short on both video content and apps. Apple executives have acknowledged the product's shortcomings in private, viewing it as an overengineered piece of technology. For years, Apple planned to quickly follow the Vision Pro with a stripped-down model that shared the same general look as the first version. That idea was scrapped in favor of the larger overhaul, which would have brought a completely new design and lighter frame. Now that project is on the back burner as well. Earlier this year, Apple also shelved plans for tethered glasses code-named N107 that would serve as a digital external display for Macs and other devices, Bloomberg News reported at the time. Apple is still planning a modest refresh of the current Vision Pro design -- with a faster chip -- for as early as the end of this year, Bloomberg has reported. That device turned up in testing records from the US Federal Communications Commission, suggesting a release is close. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook indicated years ago that glasses would be superior to a fully enclosed headset design. In 2016, right as development of the Vision Pro kicked off, he said publicly that, "Few people are going to view that it's acceptable to be enclosed in something, because we're all social people at heart." But the technology for glasses wasn't ready yet, and the Vision Pro emerged as a compromise. Like other mixed-reality headsets, it uses cameras to let people see the world around them. Apple's attempts to interest consumers in the Vision Pro have fallen flat, and the company is increasingly trying to pivot its marketing of the device toward businesses. That's an approach Microsoft Corp. and Google also have pursued -- with limited success. Apple hasn't totally abandoned the idea of eventually overhauling the Vision Pro and could ultimately release the lighter, cheaper version. It spent billions of dollars and a decade working on the original model. Meta has had its own struggles selling enclosed mixed-reality headsets. The devices haven't been big hits for the company, even at a fraction of the cost of a Vision Pro. After finding more success with glasses and AI, Meta skipped the release of a new mixed-reality headset this year. The new display-equipped Meta glasses have some strong early buzz, and the company is working on a follow-up model for 2027 that adds a second screen, Bloomberg has reported. That means users will be able to see information in both lenses. Apple and Meta both remain at work on true augmented reality glasses, which use more advanced technology for blending digital content with the real world. That's a step beyond the heads-up displays used in current models.

Apple Ditches Vision Pro Revamp as Meta's Smart Glasses Dominate - Phandroid

Apple is switching gears on its mixed reality plans. According to a Bloomberg report, the company announced internally it's moving engineers from the Vision Pro redesign project to accelerate development of AI smart glasses marking a major shift in how Apple approaches wearable tech. Apple had been working on a cheaper, lighter Vision Pro variant code-named N100 for a 2027 release, but those plans are now on hold. Instead, the company is betting on smart glasses that look more like Meta's Ray-Ban collaboration than the bulky Vision Pro headset. The move makes sense when you consider the numbers. Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have sold 2 million units since October 2023, with sales tripling in the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, the Vision Pro hasn't been the hit Apple hoped for, struggling with its $3,499 price tag and limited app selection. Apple is developing at least two types of AI glasses. The first model will pair with an iPhone and skip the display entirely, relying on voice interaction and AI. Apple aims to unveil this model as soon as next year, ahead of a 2027 release. A second version with a built-in display is also in the works to compete with Meta's newly released Ray-Ban Display glasses. The glasses will lean heavily on Apple Intelligence and a rebuilt Siri assistant, expected to roll out in March. For Apple, this represents a significant bet that lightweight, AI-powered wearables matter more than immersive headsets for mainstream adoption.

It's Not Just Meta That Thinks AI Can Jumpstart Smart Glasses. Apple's In Too.

Apple has some time, given that the Display can strain the eyes and is not yet suitable for everyday use, Oppenheimer analysts said. Tech giants want more face time with us. Literally. Apple (AAPL) is racing to release smart glasses that rival those of Meta Platforms (META) and gain ground in a device category that they see becoming a vital AI access point. The company last week froze work on its latest headset to free up resources for the development of smart glasses, Bloomberg reported. The tech giant wants to fast-track its answer to Meta Ray-Ban Display, $800 smart glasses with a screen in the right lens, the report said. (Apple didn't respond to Investopedia's request for confirmation.) Competitors like Samsung and Amazon (AMZN) are also expected to launch smart glasses. It's a small category -- under 3 mlllion units sold a year, IDC recently said, and not seen reaching 20 million until 2029 -- especially when compared with smartphones, sales of which are counted in the billions. But AI could energize that; by 2027, Apple envisions producing glasses that have their own display and incorporate speakers, cameras, voice-controlled features, AI and, potentially, health-tracking tools, according to Bloomberg. That timeline bodes well for Apple, Oppenheimer said. Its analysts left a Meta demo convinced that "Apple's hardware ecosystem is safe from new AI-enabled smart glasses for the next 2-3 years." The Display breaks "new ground in the consumer wearable experience," Oppenheimer wrote Thursday. "But it's too early to view Ray-Ban Display as an everyday wearable such as Apple Watch, let alone a potential challenger for smartphones." Users' eyes strain and their vision blurs if they look at the glasses screen "for more than seconds," the analysts said, making Display a poor tool for viewing video or longer text. Meta didn't respond to Investopedia's request for comment. Meta, like Apple, has pivoted its focus away from headsets. Virtual- and mixed-reality headsets have generally struggled to take off because people view them as expensive, heavy, or uncomfortable, according to a Gizmodo story.

Will Apple Glasses Replace Your iPhone? (2026 AR Leak Explainer)

Apple is reportedly advancing its development of augmented reality (AR) glasses, with a potential release date set for late 2026. These glasses are expected to feature innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), heads-up displays, and seamless iPhone integration. Positioned to rival offerings from tech giants like Meta and Google, Apple's AR glasses aim to blend innovation with practicality, potentially reshaping the landscape of wearable technology. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details about the rumored Apple Glasses. Apple's AR glasses are designed to deliver a highly immersive and intuitive user experience, using advanced technology to enhance daily life. Here are some of the standout features: These features are designed to make the glasses more than just a tech accessory -- they aim to become an integral part of your daily routine, enhancing convenience and connectivity. Apple is reportedly developing custom chips specifically for the AR glasses, making sure optimal performance while maintaining low power consumption. This focus on efficiency is expected to deliver smooth, uninterrupted operation throughout the day. Additionally, Apple plans to offer compatibility with prescription lenses, making the glasses accessible to users who require vision correction. This inclusive approach broadens the potential user base and positions the glasses as a versatile solution for diverse consumer needs. The glasses are also expected to feature advanced sensors and software, allowing precise environmental mapping and interaction. This technology could open up new possibilities for applications in navigation, education, and entertainment, further solidifying Apple's reputation for innovation. Apple's entry into the AR glasses market reflects its ambition to compete with established players like Meta and Google. Apple's approach appears to focus on delivering a polished, feature-rich product that integrates seamlessly with its existing ecosystem. By reallocating resources from other projects, such as a lighter Vision Pro model, Apple is prioritizing the timely development of its AR glasses to gain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving market. The AR glasses are anticipated to launch by the end of 2026, with an estimated starting price of $600. This pricing positions the glasses as a premium product, consistent with Apple's strategy of offering high-quality devices that justify their cost through advanced features and performance. The final price may vary depending on the specific features included and the competitive landscape at the time of release. However, Apple's focus on delivering value through innovation suggests that the glasses will appeal to both tech enthusiasts and everyday users seeking practical applications for AR technology. Apple's decision to prioritize AR glasses marks a significant shift in its product strategy. By focusing on augmented reality, the company is signaling its intent to integrate this technology into everyday life, potentially making AR a cornerstone of its future product lineup. This strategic move aligns with broader industry trends, as AR continues to gain traction across various sectors, from gaming and entertainment to education and healthcare. By delivering a product that combines AI, AR, and seamless connectivity, Apple aims to redefine how users interact with technology and their environment. Apple's AR glasses represent a bold step forward in wearable technology. By combining advanced features like AI-driven insights, heads-up displays, and seamless iPhone integration, these glasses promise to deliver an immersive user experience that enhances both convenience and functionality. As Apple accelerates development to meet its 2026 release target, the glasses could set a new standard in the industry, offering a glimpse into the future of augmented reality. Whether navigating a busy city, exploring unfamiliar places, or staying connected on the go, Apple's AR glasses have the potential to transform the way you see and interact with the world.

Apple looks to build up competition to Meta's AI smart glasses

Apple is apparently pausing development on a more powerful version of its Vision Pro headset in order to pursue a new product that would see it enter into the AI smart glasses market. This new product would offer some competition to Meta, which recently unveiled its own AI smart glasses. This comes from a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who believes this is a part of a broader strategy by Apple to launch AI products with mass-market appeal. It's also to stop Meta from cornering the market on AI smart glasses. All work has been stopped on the new Vision Pro headset, which was set to launch sometime in 2027. However, a cheaper version of the headset is still in the works, and could launch sooner. For now, though, Apple seems to be all systems go with AI smart glasses, and could even have its first pair ready by 2026.

Apple Pauses Work On The 2027 Iteration Of Its Vision Pro Headset To Launch A Competitor To Meta's AI-Enabled Smart Glasses

Just a few hours after an FCC listing seemingly confirmed the imminent launch cadence of a cheaper iteration of the Vision Pro headset, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has come forward to report that Apple has apparently shelved plans for the headset's high-end sibling to prioritize work on AI-enabled smart glasses. To wit, Gurman has delineated a broader strategy that Apple is reportedly pursuing, whereby the Cupertino giant is now seeking to launch AI products with a heftier mass-market appeal, all in a bid to put up some much-needed competition against Meta, which seems bent on cornering the AI smart glasses segment. As per the details, Apple has halted all work on a high-end version of the Vision Pro headset, which was expected to launch in 2027 and bears the internal codename N100. The company is still developing a cheaper version of the headset that bears the internal codename N109. As such, it can be reasonably inferred that this week's FCC listing that alluded to a "Head Mounted Device," bearing the model number A3416, like pertains to this cheaper version of the Vision Pro headset. Apple is reportedly gunning for a 2026 release of its new AI-enabled smart glasses, replete with integrated cameras, microphones, and speakers, allowing the wearer to interact via an improved version of Siri, its bespoke AI assistant. Apple's new AI smart glasses will support key features such as hands-free notifications, real-time AI assistance, and AI-powered translations. Nonetheless, these glasses are not expected to support an in-built AR display. In doing so, Apple is apparently trying to compete with Meta's now-iconic Ray-Ban smart glasses that offer up to eight hours of mixed use, 2 hours of continuous 'live AI' support, ultra HD 3K video recording ability, and an upcoming optimized noise cancellation system, called conversation focus. Of course, Meta also recently showcased its all-new Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, which feature an in-built display that is large enough to read text, watch a small video, view directions, and see live translations. At 42 pixels per degree (ppd), the display offers higher resolution than any of Meta's other consumer VR headsets. With a custom light engine and waveguide delivering brightness up to 5,000 nits, Meta claims the glasses work great both indoors and outdoors. Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are now available for purchase for $799, replete with the Meta Neural Band, which contains the control interface for the smart glasses. This allows users to navigate apps with hand gestures by leveraging electromyography (EMG) to pick up on signals sent between the brain and the hand. As per Gurman's latest report, it seems Apple is not trying to emulate Meta's Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, and is instead focusing its efforts on replicating the abilities of the its less ostentatious sibling, the one that comes without an-built display.