Recently, Mark Gurman disclosed that Apple has halted work on their AR glasses initiative due to underwhelming demonstrations for their executives. While the Vision Pro has faced challenges in gaining traction in sales, AR glasses initially appeared to be a promising next step for Apple’s Vision lineup. However, here are some reasons why this outlook may not be entirely accurate—at least for the time being.
Vision Pro signaled a future that only AR glasses could realize
Upon the launch of Vision Pro last year, reviewers voiced two prevalent concerns:
- the device should be lighter, with glasses being the optimal design
- and its price point was excessively high
Apart from these issues, the consensus was that Apple had achieved remarkable milestones with visionOS and the Vision Pro hardware.
To many, the device represented the future—albeit with certain present limitations hindering its potential.
Apple’s AR glasses project appeared to be the solution.
Yet now it has been scrapped.
This leaves many questioning: why?
Two key reasons Apple Glasses aren’t arriving any time soon
When evaluating the possibility of Apple Glasses, there are two significant aspects that will hinder the launch of such a product in the foreseeable future.
- Physical limitations
- and the landscape of Apple’s other wearables
The first factor is quite straightforward.
Apple is already facing challenges in producing its current AR device—Vision Pro—lightweight enough for comfortable wear.
AR glasses might be an enticing concept, but are they feasible? Not in the near term.
Only after Apple can deliver a significantly lighter Vision Pro, without necessitating medical expert-designed accessories for comfort, can AR glasses realistically be considered.
However, some may argue, “If Apple can’t produce reliable AR glasses, why not opt for a competitor like Meta’s Ray-Ban?”
I’ve encountered numerous positive reviews regarding Meta’s smart glasses and similar products from other companies.
The commonality among all these devices? Their functionalities are largely restricted to what Apple’s existing wearables already provide—or could offer in the near future.
AirPods and Apple Watch are already substantial successes, and together they can replicate much of what current smart glasses provide.
Siri and ChatGPT are readily accessible with AirPods in use, notifications can be delivered audibly by Siri or displayed on your Apple Watch, and playback controls, translations, and more are conveniently accessible on your wrist, with additional features on the horizon.
Multiple reports suggest that Apple is exploring the integration of cameras into future models of AirPods—a feature that would resolve one of the few outstanding benefits of smart glasses.
Given that current wearables offer such features, there’s minimal incentive for Apple to pursue smart glasses unless it can incorporate genuine AR capabilities.
Apple Glasses: conclusion
Will there come a day when we all don AR glasses? Perhaps.
However, before that can happen, technology needs to evolve sufficiently to create a compelling product that encourages such a cultural shift. All indicators suggest we are still years away from this transformation.
A less sophisticated device, such as basic smart glasses, may become popular much sooner. Yet, if AirPods and Apple Watch can deliver similar benefits, wouldn’t most people prefer those devices and opt against wearing something on their faces?
There is abundant potential within the AR/VR/headset/glasses market. However, for the time being, Apple’s decision to pause its AR glasses initiative appears logical.
Ongoing enhancements to the Vision Pro, AirPods, and Apple Watch will eventually pave the way for the dream of smart glasses—it’s just a matter of time.
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