- Apple is exploring the feasibility of a smart glasses product despite the commercial challenges faced by the Vision Pro.
- Last month, it was reported that Apple Vision Pro production numbers were being scaled back significantly following weak sales; and the Vision Pro 2’s development shelved indefinitely.
- The Apple smart glasses will likely be similar to Meta’s Orion augmented reality glasses, which are significantly smaller, lighter weight, and more comfortable than the Vision Pro.
When the Vision Pro was first released, it had all the promise of another classic Apple slam dunk. Impressive functionality, futuristic design… the whole nine yards.
Unfortunately for the Cupertino-based tech giant, cost of living pressures meant the $5,999 price tag placed it out of reach for most; and sentiment steadily shifted as users began reporting cracked lenses, headaches, and even black eyes from wearing Vision Pros.
Last month, tech magazines indicated production numbers of the Apple Vision Pro would be scaled back significantly (potentially halting production altogether).
In spite of everything outlined above, Bloomberg has now revealed Apple is redirecting focus to a pared-back version, with teams working on smart glasses likely to be closer to Meta’s Orion augmented reality glasses.
Apple’s Product Systems Quality team is understood to have begun conducting secret focus group studies on employees to better understand the feasibility of such a device; likely to solve problems such as weight, comfort, and battery life. At the same time, they’ll look towards maximising possible functionality to include features like audio, phone calls, video recording, and text overlay.
This refined version of the Apple Vision Pro is also predicted to outsource much of the computer processing to an iPhone — similar to how the AirPods operate — thereby allowing the glasses to serve as more of an accessory as opposed to a standalone device.
Regardless of what direction Apple decides to take, one thing is for sure: it’ll almost certainly be years before we see a live pair of Apple smart glasses hitting the market.
