Apple discontinues development of Mac-connected AR glasses: Here's what happened
What's the story
Apple has scrapped its plans to build futuristic augmented reality (AR) glasses, Bloomberg reports.
The project was focused on creating a headset that would attract the average consumer.
The now-abandoned product was said to be like regular glasses with built-in displays and would have needed a Mac connection.
It would have been similar to Xreal Inc.'s One spectacles and Lenovo's ThinkReality.
Market response
Project cancelation follows Apple Vision Pro's lukewarm reception
The AR glasses project was seen as a possible way forward after the disappointing launch of the Apple Vision Pro.
The $3,499 model was considered too expensive and unwieldy for the average consumer.
The idea was to develop a product that could be adopted by everyday users, but it was difficult to find the right tech at an affordable price.
Competitive edge
Apple's decision could benefit Meta Platforms
The end of the AR glasses project could give a leg up to Meta Platforms, which already sells a popular set of Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have crossed the one million mark in sales in 2024.
Meta is working on an AR version and hopes to have a product ready by 2027.
The timeline matches when Apple had previously planned to launch its glasses, code-named N107.
Technical difficulties
Design issues led to project termination
The decision to stop work on the N107 product came after an unsuccessful redesign attempt.
Apple initially wanted the glasses to pair with an iPhone but faced issues with processing power and battery life. This prompted them to pivot toward a Mac-connected product.
The N107 device featured advanced projectors that displayed information, images, and videos directly in each eye's view.
However, the version received negative feedback during executive reviews and underwent continuous feature changes, raising concerns about the project's viability.
Past failures
Apple's history of abandoning promising technologies
Notably, the AR glasses project isn't the first promising technology that Apple has ditched.
In 2024, the company scrapped its decade-long effort to develop a self-driving car and also canceled work on custom Apple Watch screens.
The N107 decision also marks Apple's second exit from an AR project, following the shelving of its N421 effort two years ago.
Despite the setbacks, CEO Tim Cook remains optimistic about the Vision Pro model, saying more corporate customers are adopting it.
Ongoing efforts
Apple continues to explore AR technology
Despite the cancelation of the N107 project, Apple continues to explore other AR technologies. The company is working on successors to the Vision Pro and has other concepts in development, such as AirPods with cameras.
Executives still hope to eventually create a set of standalone AR glasses someday.
Last week, one of the Vision Pro team's top executives moved to the AI division, indicating ongoing shifts within Apple's organizational structure.