For quite some time, there have been speculations regarding Apple’s development of augmented reality smart glasses. Although nothing concrete has emerged, we now have the Apple Vision Pro, which shares several features with the anticipated AR glasses, albeit in a significantly bulkier design.
Nonetheless, despite companies like Meta and Snapchat showcasing impressive demonstrations of augmented reality glasses, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg indicates that Apple is approximately 3-5 years away from achieving the right approach.
While Apple continues its efforts on creating its own AR glasses, a launch isn’t imminent, according to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter:
I’ve heard that Apple is still working on augmented reality smart glasses, but that a release is not expected in the near future.
There are several challenges Apple must address for this product to succeed. They would need to miniaturize various computing components, design a stylish aesthetic, ensure battery longevity for practical usage, and develop high-resolution displays that maintain an optimal media experience.
While Apple could potentially create a premium pair of glasses, it’s unlikely they would be affordable for the average consumer. Companies like Snapchat and Meta have presented AR glasses, but these models aren’t aimed at consumers. Meta’s version is merely a prototype demonstration, while Snapchat’s offering is limited to developers. It’s likely that neither company has revealed a price because it would not be attractive to consumers.
I recently had the chance to test Snapchat’s augmented reality glasses last month, and they were indeed impressive. They had some shortcomings, such as the limited field of view, but the overall experience was notable. However, the design may be perceived as too bulky for Apple’s standards.
While it’s understandable that Apple isn’t prepared to launch a pair of AR glasses yet, it is still a bit disappointing.
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