Apple has officially cancels its AR smart glasses, which were designed to work with Mac computers. This shift marks a new direction for Apple in augmented reality (AR) and reflects its evolving vision for the future of AR. Apple is, of course, committed to the Vision Pro headset, but it has canceled AR glasses, revealing the significant problems that exist in developing lightweight, efficient AR wearables.
Apple’s Ambitious AR Glasses: What Went Wrong?
Apple had been developing a pair of AR glasses, codenamed N107, designed to work seamlessly with Mac computers. Unlike the Vision Pro, which operates as a standalone spatial computer, these glasses would have relied on the computing power of a connected Mac. This approach aimed to offer a lighter and more user-friendly alternative to the Vision Pro while maintaining high-end AR capabilities.
However, Apple had technical constraints that rendered the project not feasible. First, the company planned to couple the glasses with an iPhone, but limitations in the battery and CPU led to this. The Mac-based approach also caused problems, so Apple decided to shelve the project altogether.
The Emergence and Suspension of Apple’s AR Wearables
Apple’s first major AR/VR device was the Vision Pro in 2024, a product that marked the entry of spatial computing in the consumer markets. Although powerful, the headset remains expensive and bulky, making it impractical for everyday use.
The AR glasses would solve the mentioned problems because of their glasses-style lightweight design-users can view digital content over real-world surroundings without the discomfort of wearing a bulky headset. Apple anticipated using it to have a fluid, seamless experience from macOS where the user would work on his or her Mac but see virtual things overlaid over the surrounding world.
Despite these promising features, Apple could not overcome hardware and design limitations, leading to the project’s cancellation.
Will Apple Return to AR Glasses?
Although Apple has discontinued the N107 project, the company is still serious about AR and VR development. Vision Pro will receive updates, and reports indicate that Apple is already working on the future versions of the headset. Yet, Apple never indicated whether there would be a new AR glasses project to take the place of N107 within the next years.
Competing firms, such as Meta and Snap, are continuing work on their AR glasses, thus the demand for lightweight AR wearables still continues. Sources report that Meta plans to unveil its AR glasses, named Orion, before 2027, while Snap continues advancing its AR products.If such AR products were a success, the company could shift its view toward AR glasses again in the future.
What this means for the future of Apple’s AR strategy
By canceling its AR glasses, Apple made it clear that the technology is not yet advanced enough for the lightweight wearables its customers expect. But this does not mean Apple is getting out of the AR game completely. Instead, the company will likely fix up the Vision Pro and seek new ways to refine their AR hardware.
In the near term, don’t look for AR glasses from Apple, but expect Vision Pro improvements and a mixed reality headset of the second generation. Apple’s current stance may disappoint those seeking everyday AR smart glasses, as this product remains several years away.
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