It’s been a year since the launch of the Apple Vision Pro and it’s no secret that it hasn’t been a successful product, at least in terms of sales. But I still think there’s real hope for another kind of wearable.
That’s why I’m more excited about Apple’s smart glasses than the next Vision Pro. Or at least I was until I saw the news that Apple has supposedly shelved its long-awaited augmented reality (AR) glasses.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a well-respected Apple insider, the company has abandoned the project due to technological and cost-related hurdles.
Foundry
Unlike the Vision Pro, Apple’s AR glasses could be lightweight and seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Instead of functioning as a standalone device, the plan was to pair them with a Mac, providing users with an immersive yet practical digital experience.
Gurman says the glasses were supposed to resemble regular eyewear but include built-in projectors to display information, images and videos in the user’s field of view.
Apple even reportedly experimented with lenses that could change tint depending on what the user was doing, adding an extra layer of interactivity.
However, developing the necessary technology at a reasonable cost has proven to be too much of a challenge. Apple, known for its polished products, appears to have found the glasses’ performance underwhelming during executive reviews.
Additionally, constantly shifting feature goals and difficulties in ensuring a smooth connection with a Mac also reportedly contributed to the decision to pull the plug.
Foundry
While the Vision Pro boasts cutting-edge displays and tracking features, its hefty price tag and bulky design make it more of a luxury gadget than a practical tool.
On the other hand, Apple’s AR glasses had the potential to be a game-changer, offering a much more user-friendly experience compared to the Vision Pro.
For now, the dream of Apple’s AR glasses may be over, but don’t rule out the company bringing a similar product to market at some point. That’s what I’m holding out hope for.
