Apple is hitting pause on its Vision Pro headset overhaul to fast-track the development of its much-anticipated AI-powered smart glasses, according to fresh reports.
The tech giant had been working on a lighter, more affordable version of its $3,499 Vision Pro codenamed N100 for a 2027 release. But last week, Apple internally announced it would be reallocating staff from that project to speed up progress on its AI glasses, signaling a major shift in priorities.
Launched in February 2024, the Vision Pro generated significant hype but has struggled to maintain momentum. Limited mainstream content, combined with competition from lower-cost headsets like Meta’s Quest, has hindered its growth.
Apple’s pivot reflects the growing pressure to catch up in the AI race, where competitors like Google and Meta are already moving aggressively.
AI Glasses: Apple’s New Focus
Reports suggest Apple is working on two versions of smart glasses.
-
The first, called N50, will connect to an iPhone and won’t feature its own display. Apple aims to unveil it as early as 2026, ahead of a 2027 launch.
-
The second, equipped with a built-in display, is expected in 2028, potentially rivaling Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban Display glasses.
Apple’s glasses are expected to lean heavily on voice interaction and artificial intelligence, making them a key contender in the emerging wearable AI market.
Meta is already racing ahead, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently showcasing an $800 pair of smart glasses with a built-in display and wristband controller at the Meta Connect event. Meta also revealed Oakley-branded Vanguard glasses aimed at athletes, signaling broader adoption.
Despite the reallocation, Apple declined to comment on the reports. At its September product launch, the company rolled out upgraded iPhones and a slimmer iPhone Air—but offered little evidence of how it plans to close the AI gap with rivals like Google, which highlighted its Gemini AI in flagship devices.
For now, the pivot marks a bold bet: abandoning Vision Pro’s expansion in favor of AI wearables that could redefine Apple’s future in the AI-driven tech landscape.
