Apple has put on hold a new pair of augmented reality (AR) smart glasses that were anticipated to work with its Mac computer line, according to a report. The device was Apple’s most ambitious wearable since the company launched the Apple Vision Pro and was in development when Apple decided to pull the plug and abandon the project, according to Bloomberg. For the time being, the Vision Pro seems like the only AR/VR hardware from Apple on the horizon.
Table of Contents
Apple Reportedly Halts Development of AR Glasses Designed for Mac Integration, Focus Remains on Vision Pro
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman (citing unnamed sources), Apple was working on the AR glasses under the internal codename N107. The device itself was said to look like a normal pair of glasses, albeit with advanced displays; its intended purpose would have been to pair with Mac computers. But Apple before the work could get to production reportedly pulled the plug on the project.
Apple introduced the Vision Pro in the United States in 2011 as its initial spatial computer, with assistance for AR and virtual reality (VR). These now-canceled AR glasses would have been considerably lighter and more consumer-friendly than the Vision Pro, which is large and has an eye-watering price of $3,499 (~ ₹3 lakh).
The AR glasses were intended to use a Mac as a computer, unlike the Vision Pro, which has a built-in processor, due to limitations in CPU power and battery life, preventing them from working with the iPhone. Apple also wanted them to be far lighter than the Vision Pro, which still needs a strap to hold the headset in place.
While Apple is expected to release updated versions of the Vision Pro, it remains uncertain whether the company will revisit its AR glasses project in the future. Meanwhile, competitors like Snap and Meta have showcased AR glasses prototypes that could revolutionize user interactions. Meta, in particular, is expected to launch its AR glasses, codenamed Orion, by 2027, a year after Apple is rumored to release a successor to the Vision Pro. However, as with all Apple products, official details will likely remain under wraps until the company is ready for an official announcement.
FAQs
Why did Apple stop developing AR glasses?
Apple halted the project due to technical challenges and focus on the Vision Pro.
When will Apple release new AR glasses?
It’s unclear when Apple will launch AR glasses, with no plans announced for the near future.
