Apple Abandons Vision Pro Iteration, Doubles Down on Smart Glasses to Challenge Meta
Cupertino, CA – November 22, 2023 – In a dramatic shift in strategy, Apple has reportedly paused development of a planned, more affordable version of its Vision Pro headset to concentrate resources on smart glasses that directly compete with Meta’s recently unveiled offerings. This breaking news, reported by Bloomberg, signals a significant recalibration in Apple’s augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) ambitions, and a clear response to the growing momentum of rivals like Meta and Google. This is a developing story with major SEO implications for the tech landscape.
Vision Pro’s Slow Start Fuels Strategic Pivot
The original Vision Pro, launched in February 2024 with a hefty $3,499 price tag, has reportedly struggled to gain traction. Limited compelling content and competition from more accessible devices like Meta’s Quest line have contributed to slower-than-expected adoption. The planned “N100” iteration, intended as a lighter and cheaper alternative slated for 2027, has now been sidelined. Apple is reassigning personnel from the N100 project to accelerate the development of its smart glasses program, a move that underscores the company’s belief in the potential of a more everyday wearable form factor.
Two Glasses, Two Timelines: N50 and Beyond
Apple is reportedly pursuing at least two distinct smart glasses projects. The first, codenamed “N50,” is envisioned as an iPhone-paired device without its own display, potentially launching as early as next year with a 2027 target release. This suggests Apple is initially aiming for a more subtle AR experience, leveraging the iPhone’s processing power and display capabilities.
The second, more ambitious version, will feature a built-in screen and is currently planned for 2028. However, Apple is now prioritizing its development to directly challenge Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which were unveiled in September with a $800 price point and include a built-in screen and controller. Meta also showcased new Oakley Vanguard glasses geared towards athletes, further solidifying their position in the wearable tech market.
AI and Voice Control: The Core of Apple’s Glasses Strategy
According to the report, Apple’s smart glasses will heavily rely on voice interaction and artificial intelligence (AI). This emphasis on AI is particularly noteworthy, given Apple’s perceived lag in the AI race compared to competitors like Google, who recently demonstrated the capabilities of their Gemini AI model. The integration of AI will be crucial for enabling intuitive and seamless user experiences within the glasses, potentially offering features like real-time translation, contextual information, and personalized assistance.
Qualcomm’s ARM Shift Adds Fuel to the Competition
The timing of this strategic shift coincides with Qualcomm’s move to new ARM technology for its chips, intensifying competition with Apple and Mediatek in the mobile processor space. More powerful and efficient chips are essential for powering the complex processing demands of AR/VR applications, making this a critical development for all players in the market. The race for superior chip technology will undoubtedly influence the capabilities and performance of future smart glasses.
Apple declined to comment on the report when contacted by Reuters.
While Apple recently unveiled an updated iPhone lineup and a thinner iPad Air, the lack of significant AI announcements during the event highlighted the company’s need to accelerate its AI development efforts. The focus on smart glasses, powered by AI, could be a key component of Apple’s strategy to regain ground in this critical area.
The move to prioritize smart glasses over further Vision Pro iterations represents a bold bet on the future of wearable technology. Whether Apple can successfully navigate the challenges of content creation, user experience, and competition remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle for dominance in the AR/VR space is heating up. Stay tuned to Archyde for the latest updates on this rapidly evolving story and in-depth analysis of the tech industry.
