Apple Shifts Focus From Vision Pro to AI-Powered Smart Glasses

Apple (AAPL, Financials) has suspended development of a lower-cost version of its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset to prioritize smart glasses, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The company had been preparing a lighter, less expensive model, code-named N100, for release in 2027. Employees were told last week that resources will instead be shifted toward accelerating work on glasses that could rival devices from Meta Platforms.

Apple is reportedly developing two versions of the glasses. The first, known as N50, would connect to an iPhone without a built-in display. The model could be unveiled as early as next year ahead of a commercial release in 2027. A second version with its own display is targeted for 2028, but development timelines are being pushed forward.

The $3,499 Vision Pro launched in February 2024 but has struggled with limited mainstream content and competition from cheaper headsets such as Meta's Quest. Meta in September unveiled new smart glasses under its Ray-Ban and Oakley brands, with prices starting at $800.

Apple's smart glasses will lean on voice controls and artificial intelligence integration, according to the report. The company declined to comment.

Investors will be watching whether Apple's push into AI-enabled wearables helps close the gap with Google and Meta, both of which are rolling out consumer-ready products.