In a significant strategic pivot, Apple is reportedly sidelining its plans to overhaul the Vision Pro VR glasses. Instead, the tech giant is prioritizing the development of AI smart glasses that aim to compete with existing products from Meta. This information comes from a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, shedding light on Apple’s evolving product strategy.
Although Apple has been working on a more affordable and lighter version of its Vision Pro, the company has decided to reallocate resources and staff from that project to focus on smart glasses. This shift indicates a clear commitment to entering the competitive landscape of augmented reality glasses, which is currently dominated by Meta.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is developing at least two distinct types of smart glasses. The first model, referred to as N50, is designed to pair with an iPhone and will not feature its own display. Apple aims to unveil these smart glasses as early as next year, with a full release planned for 2027.
The second model under development will include a built-in display, positioning it as a direct competitor to the recently unveiled Meta Ray-Ban Display. Originally slated for release in 2028, Apple is now accelerating its development timeline for this version of the smart glasses, indicating a strong desire to catch up in the rapidly evolving market.
Despite this newfound focus on smart glasses, it’s important to note that Apple currently lags behind Meta, which launched its first smart glasses back in 2021. As Apple moves forward with its plans, the competition in the smart glasses arena is set to intensify, with consumers eagerly awaiting what innovations Apple will bring to the table.
In summary, Apple’s strategic shift from the Vision Pro VR glasses to AI smart glasses represents a significant change in direction. With two models in the pipeline and plans to expedite development, Apple is positioning itself to make a strong entry into the smart glasses market, challenging existing players like Meta.
