Apple has stopped the development of its next high-end Vision Pro headset, shifting its focus to creating a more affordable and lighter augmented reality (AR) product that resembles a standard pair of glasses. This decision follows slower-than-expected sales of the initial, expensive Vision Pro model. The company now aims to launch a less costly device by the end of 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Apple has suspended work on the successor to its $3,499 Vision Pro.
- The company is redirecting resources to a cheaper, more conventional smart glasses project, codenamed N109.
- The pivot is a response to weak consumer demand for the heavy and high-priced Vision Pro.
- This new strategy aligns Apple more closely with competitors like Meta, which offers both high-end headsets and more accessible smart glasses.
- The first-generation Vision Pro will continue to be produced and sold.
Apple launched its Vision Pro in the United States in February 2024, branding it a “spatial computer” that blends digital content with the physical world. While the technology received praise, its steep price of $3,499 (around ₹2,90,000) and bulky design limited its appeal beyond developers and early adopters. Users often noted its weight and the inconvenience of its separate battery pack, making it impractical for extended use. Sales projections for the device were reportedly reduced after the initial interest faded.
In response to this market feedback, Apple is now concentrating on a different kind of wearable. The new project, internally known as N109, is designed to be a pair of smart glasses that are much lighter and significantly less expensive than the Vision Pro. The goal is to create a device that people can wear comfortably throughout the day, much like the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. This indicates a major strategic change for Apple, moving from a high-end, niche product to one with mass-market potential.
The company has reportedly been working on reducing the cost of components for its AR/VR hardware. The micro-OLED displays used in the Vision Pro are among the most expensive parts, and finding a more cost-effective alternative is a key challenge for the cheaper model. While the development of a lower-cost Vision product with fewer features is still possible, the primary effort has moved to the glasses project.
This strategic shift places Apple in more direct competition with Meta. Meta offers its Quest lineup of mixed-reality headsets at a much lower price point and collaborates with Ray-Ban on smart glasses that integrate AI features. By focusing on a more accessible glasses-like device, Apple acknowledges the current market reality where affordability and everyday usability are critical for widespread adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is Apple discontinuing the Vision Pro?
A. No, Apple is not discontinuing the first-generation Vision Pro. The company has stopped development on its direct, high-end successor but will continue to sell the current model.
Q. What will Apple’s new AI glasses do?
A. Specific features are not confirmed, but the new glasses are expected to be lightweight AR devices. They will likely offer AI-powered features and display digital information overlaid on the real world, similar in concept to Meta’s smart glasses but with Apple’s ecosystem integration.
Q. How much will the new Apple glasses cost?
A. An official price has not been announced. However, the goal is to make them significantly more affordable than the $3,499 Vision Pro, potentially pricing them closer to a high-end smartphone.
Q. When will Apple’s AI glasses be released?
A. Reports suggest Apple is targeting a release date around the end of 2026 or early 2027, but this timeline could change.
Q. Why did Apple stop working on the Vision Pro 2?
A. Apple paused development on the Vision Pro 2 mainly due to the slow sales and high price of the first model. The company is pivoting to a more accessible and affordable product to attract a larger consumer base.
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