Oct 02, 2025 11:11:00

Apple prioritizes development of new smart glasses over lightweight Apple Vision Pro

Bloomberg reports that Apple has temporarily halted plans to improve its mixed reality (MR) headset

, Apple Vision Pro , and is instead prioritizing the development of smart glasses that can compete with Meta's products. As part of this strategic shift, the company is reportedly transferring staff from the project for the cheaper Apple Vision Pro, which was planned for release in 2027, to accelerate the development of smart glasses.

Apple Shelves Vision Headset Revamp to Prioritize Meta-Like AI Smart Glasses - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-01/apple-shelves-vision-headset-revamp-to-prioritize-meta-like-ai-smart-glasses

Apple sidelines lighter Vision Pro to prioritize smart glasses | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/news/790285/apple-smart-glasses-vision-pro

Apple is rumored to be developing at least two types of smart glasses. One is a non-display model (codenamed N50) that will work with an iPhone and is targeted for release between 2026 and 2027. The other is a display-equipped model to rival Meta's Ray-Ban Display . Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who is well-versed in Apple-related information, said, 'Development has been accelerated from the original 2028 plan.'

The smart glasses being developed by Apple will focus on voice control and the use of AI, and are expected to come in a variety of styles, equipped with a new chip, speakers for playing music, a camera for recording, and voice control functions.

According to Garman, Apple has notified its employees about personnel transfers between development projects. The transfers affect staff from the team developing the lightweight Apple Vision Pro, and they will be transferred to the smartglasses development project. Garman pointed out that the purpose of these transfers is to accelerate the development of smartglasses.

According to Garman, Apple's change of direction stems from the fact that the current Apple Vision Pro is too expensive (starting at ¥599,800 including tax), too heavy, and lacking content, leading to waning consumer interest after its 2024 release. As a result, Apple is scaling back production of the Apple Vision Pro and shifting its marketing efforts to businesses.

Meta is ahead in the smart glasses market, releasing its first model in 2021 and providing access to its own AI assistant, Meta AI, with the Ray-Ban Meta in 2023. Apple is lagging behind Meta in both smart glasses and AI.

Meta's smart glasses, Ray-Ban Meta, launch early access to Meta AI, an AI assistant that can answer questions and translate languages - GIGAZINE

However, Gurman commented that the smart glasses with a display that Apple is developing are worthy of challenging the Meta Display. While development of a lightweight version of the Apple Vision Pro has been halted, Gurman said that a model equipped with a faster chip than the current Apple Vision Pro could be announced as early as 2025.