Apple Shifts Gears: Prioritizing AI Smart Glasses Over Lighter Vision Pro Development

Apple is shifting gears in its product lineup. Instead of developing a lighter, cheaper version of its Vision Pro headset, the company is now focusing on smart glasses. This change, reported by Bloomberg, aims to enhance competition against Meta.

Originally, Apple had plans for a more affordable “Vision Air” set for 2027. However, the company’s engineers are now moving to the smart glasses project, which is expected to include cameras, microphones, and AI capabilities. The initial version will likely launch next year, without a display, but a more advanced model with a display is in the works for 2028.

Meta recently unveiled its own AI-equipped Ray-Ban smart glasses, featuring a full-color display. These glasses aim to seamlessly blend with regular eyewear while providing notifications and interaction with Meta’s AI. This advancement has sparked a race between Apple and Meta to create lightweight augmented reality glasses.

Interestingly, Meta has introduced various versions of these smart glasses since 2023, furthering its lead in AI technology. Apple’s glasses will rely on AI and voice commands, intending to integrate with a future version of Siri, which is set for a major refresh by spring 2026 after some delays.

Apple aims to make its smart glasses fashionable, offering various styles and colors. They will include health tracking features, a first for such wearable technology. Experts believe this trend of blending fashion with tech will appeal to a wider audience, especially younger consumers motivated by lifestyle branding.

As AR technology develops, both Apple and Meta are poised to reshape how we interact with our environment. Smart glasses could change everything from social media engagement to navigation, blending the digital and physical worlds in new ways.

Overall, as these tech giants prioritize their AR strategies, it will be fascinating to see which company sets the standard for smart glasses in the coming years.

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Featured, Apple Glasses, Bloomberg