For quite some time, speculation has surrounded Apple’s efforts toward creating a type of AR smart glasses. While there has yet to be any concrete announcement, we do have the Apple Vision Pro, which shares several features with the anticipated AR glasses, though presented in a considerably bulkier design.
Nevertheless, even as competitors such as Meta and Snapchat unveil exciting demonstrations of their own augmented reality glasses, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg indicates that Apple is still about 3-5 years away from launching a comparable product.
Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter highlights that although Apple is actively developing its version of AR glasses, a launch is not imminent:
I’ve heard that Apple is continuing its work on smart glasses that incorporate augmented reality, but a release is not on the immediate horizon.
For Apple to succeed in this venture, it must effectively address numerous challenges, including the miniaturization of various computational components, crafting a stylish design, ensuring adequate battery life for practical usage, and creating high-resolution displays that maintain a quality media experience.
While Apple likely has the capability to produce a premium-priced pair of glasses, achieving a consumer-friendly product presents a more significant challenge. Companies like Snapchat and Meta have introduced AR glasses, but these are not yet consumer-ready; Meta’s offering remains a prototype, while Snapchat’s is exclusively available to developers. Neither company has revealed pricing, likely due to concerns over market attractiveness.
I had the chance to test Snapchat’s augmented reality glasses last month, and they certainly showcased impressive technology. Although there were some shortcomings, such as field-of-view limitations, the overall demo was striking. However, I suspect the size may not meet Apple’s aesthetic standards.
While it’s understandable that Apple is not ready to roll out AR glasses, it still feels disappointing to those anticipating such a product.
Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
