Credit: Apple
The Vision Pro augmented reality headset is hardly the first to market or revolutionary, and its demand is limited. Therefore, Apple quite reasonably focused on creating a lighter, more affordable version, which was supposed to be released in 2027. The project has reportedly now been put on hold, with efforts being focused on developing smart glasses.
The company is focusing on smart glasses that could compete with Ray-Ban’s Meta. Bloomberg notes that the engineers who developed the Vision Air are now working on smart glasses. Mass production, originally planned for the second quarter of 2027, is now expected as early as 2026.
The first generation of smart glasses will be available with a variety of frame and temple materials and will not have a built-in display, but will feature Apple Intelligence support and multiple cameras for Visual Intelligence features.
Apple is developing XR glasses with LCoS displays, voice control and gestures.
The idea of releasing a lighter, cheaper AR headset than the current one hasn’t been completely abandoned, but rather put on hold to speed up the market launch of smart glasses. Especially since competitor Meta is preparing to release a model of glasses with a second display in 2027.
