Apple has reportedly scrapped a project to create new augmented reality glasses, code-named N107, which were intended to fit closely within its device ecosystem. The decision to halt development was communicated to the team working on the glasses during the last week of January 2023, as reported by Bloomberg.
Unlike bulky virtual reality headsets, these glasses were engineered to resemble standard eyewear, complete with conventional earpieces rather than heavy bands. They were expected to feature microLED-type screens, allowing users to see text, images, and videos directly in their field of vision. Apple had originally targeted 2027 for the launch of the glasses.
The ambitious project faced significant technical challenges. Engineers tested integrating the glasses with both iPhones and Macs; sadly, they struggled to overcome several hurdles. A major concern was the glasses’ considerable impact on the battery life of the iPhone, coupled with difficulties aligning the device's processing power with the demands of the glasses.
These integration issues were not minor. When paired with Macs, the product failed to meet executive expectations, leading the company to reassess its strategy. Bloomberg's reporting highlighted these performance issues, emphasizing how they contributed to the project's downfall.
Despite this setback, the development of Apple’s next-generation Vision Pro remains unaffected. The Vision Pro, which stands somewhere between augmented reality glasses and virtual reality headsets, aims to bring 'spatial computing' to the home or office. Yet, this product has struggled to gain traction with consumers, partly due to its large size and steep price tag of $3,499. Some users reported headaches and eye strain, questioning the user experience of such technology.
Apple appears to be continuing its strategic approach to new technologies. Historically, the company has opted to wait for competitors to release their versions of products before entering the market with a refined offering. This strategy was evident with the enhancements made to its chatbot, Siri, leading to the introduction of Apple Intelligence.
Rivals like Meta and Google continue to advance with their own augmented reality offerings. Meta, for example, has gone ahead with products like Ray-Bans and the Meta Quest. They have plans to launch standalone augmented reality glasses, code-named Orion, for consumers by 2027. Apple’s halted glasses were set to compete with similar devices from other manufacturers such as XReal and Lenovo. These companies have also focused on developing consumer smart glasses.
Apple's Vision Pro has garnered attention, but it differs significantly from the anticipated lightweight augmented reality glasses. Instead of integrating information seamlessly with the real world, the Vision Pro focuses on projecting virtual reality experiences. It’s clear there’s still considerable ground to cover before Apple realizes its ideal vision of augmented reality.
While competitors push on with their advancements, it remains to be seen how this pause will influence Apple’s future product developments. For lovers of cutting-edge technology, this decision raises questions about how and when Apple will reenter the augmented reality market with devices consumer-ready.