Apple’s AR glasses were much awaited, with people thinking they might replace the iPhone in the long run. Apple had a vision for independent AR glasses, based on Apple Silicon, with sophisticated augmented reality experiences and smooth integration into its ecosystem.
But recent news from Mark Gurman indicates Apple has canceled this device, focusing on the Vision Pro instead. Battery life, AI processing, privacy issues, and high manufacturing costs made it hard to produce. Nevertheless, Apple’s technology is still in development, and AR capabilities may be added to the Mac, iPhone, or upcoming AI devices.
Apple’s AR Glasses: A Dream Delayed?
Apple originally planned to release AR glasses as the next big thing after the iPhone. The idea was for these glasses to be standalone devices that would offer augmented reality in a simple, everyday pair of glasses. However, those plans seem to have been delayed, and instead, Apple introduced the Vision Pro headset as a more immersive mixed-reality device.
- Apple’s long-term goal of standalone AR glasses is still intact, though the project may not be happening anytime soon.
- The AR glasses might eventually be Mac-tethered, meaning they could rely on an iPhone or Mac for processing power before becoming a fully independent device.
- Mark Gurman at Bloomberg said that Apple is developing the underlying tech for such smart glasses, but screen, silicon, and privacy issues are causing delays.
- While Apple’s AR glasses are still in the works, competitors like Meta and Google are advancing their own XR technologies, including Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.
- Apple’s AR glasses might not launch anytime soon, but their long-term goal remains clear: creating a standalone AR glasses device.
In spite of delays, Apple’s desire to innovate in the augmented reality space is still strong, with their future AR glasses potentially arriving in the next few years.
Why Did Apple Cancel Its AR Glasses?
- Technical challenges: It was difficult to make lightweight and high-performance AR glasses.
- Battery life issues: Managing power for all-day use was tough.
- Manufacturing hurdles: Mass production of small and advanced AR components was challenging.
- Cost concerns: The high price of AR glasses could limit the market demand.
For this reason, Apple launched the Vision Pro headset, which provides a mixed reality experience.
Will Apple ever launch AR Glasses?
Apple AR glasses are still a ways off, but the timeline could be 2027 or later. Apple is still working on AR technology and its long-term goal is to create standalone AR glasses. According to reports, the company is focusing on improving screens, silicon, and processing power. Currently, the Vision Pro headset is Apple’s main AR/VR device, but in the future we could see lightweight, Mac-tethered or standalone AR glasses.
Competition: Other AR Glasses in the Market
Apart from Apple, Meta, Google, Amazon AR glasses could also enter the competition in the growing AR wearables market. Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses and Google’s Android XR platform and other streaming glasses are giving users the experience of smart AR wearables. Gadgets like the Xreal One are also bringing new options in the AR and VR market. These companies are focusing on affordable and everyday use AR glasses, while Apple wants to bring a high-end AR experience.
Apple has recently released the Vision Pro headset, a powerful mixed reality headset. Nevertheless, Apple’s AR glasses long-term objective remains intact. According to reports, the company is working on further improving the screens, silicon, and processing power. You may get to see Mac-tethered or standalone AR glasses in some upcoming salons.
What are Apple’s Next Plans for AR Technology?
The Apple Vision Pro headset is the most advanced gadget in AR and VR right now, which delivers a mixed reality experience. However, Apple’s plans for AR glasses are still part of a long-term goal. According to reports, Apple may launch a standalone device or Mac-tethered AR glasses in the future. Reports from Mark Gurman and Bloomberg suggest that the company is working on screens, silicon and processing power.
Competitor companies like Meta (Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses), Google and Samsung (Android XR Platform) are also making augmented reality glasses. Apple wants to develop a pair of AR glasses that would look like regular glasses, but plans have reportedly been shelved due to privacy policy, cost and manufacturing challenges. Still, Apple’s goal of standalone AR glasses remains intact, and by 2027, an affordable Mac-tethered version or standalone AR glasses could be launched.
Conclusion
Apple AR glasses are still a long-term goal, but the Vision Pro headset has already launched. Apple is still working on AR technology, but plans may be delayed due to technical challenges and cost. Meta, Google, and Samsung are also developing their own AR wearables.
Can AR glasses replace smartphones in the future? What is your take on Apple’s AR plans?
