Apple Halts Development of 2027 Vision Pro Headset to Compete with Meta’s AI-Driven Smart Glasses

Apple Shifts Focus to AI-Enabled Smart Glasses, Pauses Vision Pro Headset Plans

In a recent development, a listing by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hinted at the upcoming launch of a budget-friendly version of Apple’s Vision Pro headset. However, journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has revealed that Apple has decided to halt the development of a premium model in favor of advancing its AI smart glasses initiative. This strategic pivot aims to enhance the company’s competitive stance against Meta, which currently leads in the AI-smart glasses market.

Apple’s Strategic Transition: From Headset to Smart Glasses

According to Gurman’s report, Apple has completely suspended work on a higher-end iteration of the Vision Pro headset, initially set for release in 2027 under the codename N100. Meanwhile, the company continues to develop a more affordable model designated N109. This aligns with recent FCC reports referencing a “Head Mounted Device”identified as model A3416, believed to be linked to the less expensive Vision Pro variant.

Aiming for 2026 Release of AI Smart Glasses

Apple’s new smart glasses are expected to launch in 2026 with several advanced features. These glasses will include integrated cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling users to interact seamlessly with an upgraded version of Siri, Apple’s AI assistant. Notably, they will also support hands-free notifications, real-time assistance, and AI-driven translations. However, they will lack an integrated augmented reality (AR) display.

Comparing Apple and Meta: Different Approaches to Smart Glasses

This strategic shift comes as Apple seeks to rival Meta’s popular Ray-Ban smart glasses. Meta’s product boasts impressive features such as up to eight hours of mixed-use battery life, two hours of continuous AI support, ultra HD 3K video recording capabilities, and an upcoming noise cancellation system termed “conversation focus.”Additionally, Meta recently unveiled its Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, which feature a substantial built-in display offering a high resolution of 42 pixels per degree (ppd), ideal for reading text and watching videos.

Innovation in Smart Glass Technology

Meta’s Ray-Ban Display glasses utilize a custom light engine and waveguide technology that delivers brightness levels of up to 5, 000 nits, ensuring optimal performance in both indoor and outdoor settings. Currently available for $799, these glasses include the Meta Neural Band, which enables users to navigate apps through hand gestures using electromyography (EMG) technology, linking brain signals to hand movements.

Interestingly, Gurman’s insights suggest that Apple’s new smart glasses will not attempt to replicate the feature set of Meta’s Ray-Ban Display. Instead, Apple seems focused on developing capabilities that mirror those of the more modest Ray-Ban model, which excludes the built-in display while prioritizing AI functionalities.

As Apple pivots toward this promising segment of AI-enhanced eyewear, the competition with Meta intensifies, potentially redefining the smart glasses landscape.

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