Apple is reportedly changing its wearable technology strategy, moving away from expanding its Vision Pro headset lineup to concentrate on smart glasses development. This shift comes as the company prepares for a leadership change later this year, with incoming CEO John Ternus approving significant alterations to the product roadmap.
- Apple shelves plans for a second-generation Vision Pro and lighter Vision Air model
- Focus shifts to two smart glasses projects targeting 2027 and beyond
- One smart glasses model will be display-free AI glasses, competing with Meta Ray-Ban
- Advanced augmented reality glasses with optical waveguide tech expected after 2029
From Vision Pro to smart glasses
Previously, Apple had plans to expand its Vision Pro family with a second-generation headset and a lighter Vision Air version. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports these projects have been shelved in favor of focusing efforts on two distinct smart glasses models currently under development.
The first model is a display-free AI smart glasses device aimed at competing with products like Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. This more accessible and practical wearable is expected to launch around 2027, offering a new way to interact with AI without the bulk of a headset.
Looking further ahead with augmented reality glasses
The second project is a more advanced augmented reality glasses model featuring optical waveguide technology. This technology enables digital content to be overlaid directly onto the real world, creating immersive experiences without the need for a bulky headset. This product is anticipated to arrive in 2029 or later, signaling Apple’s long-term commitment to AR innovation.
Industry trends and Apple’s strategy
The wearable tech industry is increasingly favoring lightweight, all-day wearable devices like smart glasses. These devices are generally more affordable and practical compared to high-end mixed reality headsets, potentially appealing to a broader audience. Apple’s pivot aligns with this trend, suggesting a strategic move to capture future markets with more accessible wearables.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman adds nuance to the story, noting that while Apple has discontinued several headset projects, a Vision Pro 2 prototype is reportedly still in testing. Nevertheless, the broader Vision headset category appears to be on hold, with no successor expected before the decade’s end.
As Apple’s plans unfold, smart glasses seem poised to become a core focus. The first AI-centric smart glasses could arrive by 2027, followed by more advanced AR glasses in the following years, potentially marking a new chapter in wearable technology for the company.
Whether Apple’s smart glasses will become its next breakthrough product or if users will await a new Vision Pro headset remains to be seen. For now, the shift highlights Apple’s responsiveness to consumer needs for lighter, more versatile devices in their daily tech lives.
Via: Gizmochina
