Apple Shifts Focus from Affordable Vision Pro to Smart Glasses
Apple is reallocating resources away from developing a more affordable version of its Vision Pro headset and toward the creation of smart glasses, a move signaling a potential shift in the company’s augmented reality strategy.
The company has paused development of the lower-cost Vision Pro model to concentrate on a daily-wearable smart glasses device, similar in form factor to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. These glasses will initially offer limited functionality but are planned to evolve into a more powerful device. A second-generation model is expected to include built-in displays and operate in two modes: a desktop-class augmented reality experience when connected to a Mac, and a mobile-friendly version with basic features and AI capabilities when paired with an iPhone.
This pivot reflects a broader industry trend toward more accessible and convenient augmented reality hardware; larger headsets like the Vision Pro, while technologically impressive, face hurdles in mainstream adoption due to cost and usability. Apple’s existing software ecosystem gives it a significant advantage in this space, as it already boasts millions of apps available across its platforms – a contrast to the limited app support currently available for competing smart glasses like the Meta Ray-Ban Display. You can learn more about the challenges and opportunities in the AR/VR space here.
Apple is currently preparing to launch new products featuring its M5 chip, including updated iPad Pro and MacBook models. The first smart glasses are anticipated to arrive in 2026 or 2027, followed by the more advanced second-generation version, positioning Apple to directly compete with Meta and other players in the emerging smart glasses market. For more on Apple’s product roadmap, see our coverage of the upcoming M5 chip releases.
Company officials have indicated that the shift allows Apple to explore a more versatile and widely accessible entry point into the augmented reality ecosystem.
What’s happened? Due to the underwhelming response to the Vision Pro, Apple came up with a strategy to create a more affordable version of the mixed-reality headset. However, the company is now pivoting toward smart glasses.
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that Apple has paused the development of the lighter and cheaper version of the Vision Pro.
- The company is reallocating its resources to the development of its first smart glasses, a daily wearable device similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses.
- The second generation, however, will incorporate built-in displays (similar to Meat Ray-Ban Display) and offer two distinct operating modes.
Why is this important? For a tech behemoth like Apple, abandoning a project and moving on to the next one often takes time, but the pivot mirrors a broader industry trend. In contrast to larger, heavier mixed-reality headsets, smart glasses are more comfortable, convenient, and, not to mention, more affordable.
- The second-generation glasses could run on a full version of visionOS when connected to a Mac, offering a desktop-class augmented reality workspace with features such as rich notifications, content handoff, and hands-free controls.
- However, when connected to an iPhone, the device can run a lightweight, mobile-friendly version that provides basic features, such as hands-free calling and messaging, as well as AI-powered features.
- On the new Meta smart glasses with a display, app support is extremely limited. Though Meta has released the tool that allows developers to build apps for the smart glasses platform, Apple already has a huge lead with millions of apps already available across its mobile and desktop platforms.
Why should I care? If you’ve been impressed by the Vision Pro’s capabilities, but its price is stopping you from getting one, the more affordable smart glasses could be your entry point into Apple’s AR/MR ecosystem. Furthermore, the device should provide seamless integration with Apple devices, allowing you to manage incoming calls and messages without using your smartphone.
OK, what’s next? For now, Apple is gearing up to unveil a slew of products powered by its M5 chip, including a new iPad Pro and new MacBooks. However, in 2026 or 2027, it could launch its first smart glasses, followed by the release of the second-generation model with a built-in display. These devices will compete directly with Meta’s existing lineup (and any products it might launch in the future).
