Apple Pauses Development of Lightweight Smart Glasses, Focuses on AR
Apple's long-awaited smart glasses project has hit a snag. The tech giant, which has been exploring this product category since 2016 under CEO Tim Cook, has reportedly paused development of a lighter version of its Apple Vision Pro, codenamed N100. This delay comes as Apple focuses on developing full-fledged AR glasses instead.
The pause in development was reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. It's a setback for Apple, which had previously planned to launch the N100 in parallel with a new Apple Vision Pro in 2028. The delay is partly due to the slower progress in AI, which has also affected updates to Siri and new smart home products.
Meanwhile, Apple's rival Meta is ahead in the AR glasses market. Meta is set to release a new AR glasses product soon, priced around $800. Unlike Apple's niche-targeted Apple Vision Pro, Meta has become the market leader in VR and MR headsets. Apple, however, is not backing down. It's now focusing on developing smart AR glasses, with a key developer formerly associated with ARM leading the project. The project includes a display-less version that works with an iPhone and a version with its own display. A refresh of the Apple Vision Pro from 2023 is still planned, with a more powerful M5 chip replacing the M2 chip.
Apple's smart glasses project, once expected to start in 2027, now faces a delay. The company has paused development of the lighter Apple Vision Pro N100 to focus on full AR glasses. While Meta leads the AR glasses market, Apple remains committed to its vision, with a key developer from ARM leading the project. The tech giant continues to invest in AR technology, with a refresh of the Apple Vision Pro still on the cards.
