Apple’s Vision Pro headset has struggled to gain traction, and now the company is changing course. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has reportedly canceled development of a cheaper, lightweight Vision Pro model and is putting its resources into smart glasses instead.
Launched in early 2024 at a steep $4,999 CAD, the Vision Pro has been called too heavy and overpriced, with few must-have apps to justify the cost. People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg the device was seen internally as “overengineered,” and some executives privately view it as a stopgap rather than a product built for the long term.
The abandoned follow-up, known as N100, had been targeted for 2027. Apple is now redeploying staff to focus on smart glasses projects. One model, N50, will tether to an iPhone and could be previewed as early as next year before a wider launch in 2027. A second version with its own display—originally pegged for 2028—is also being pushed forward.
With Apple being such a big company–why can’t it focus on two projects at once?
Both devices will lean on voice commands and artificial intelligence, two areas where Apple is trying to catch up. Bloomberg reports the glasses will rely on a rebuilt Siri, expected in 2025 (yeah, we’re all still waiting), to handle interactions and control features.
The shift puts Apple behind Meta, which already has several generations of Ray-Ban smart glasses on the market. Meta’s latest pair, released this year with a built-in display and AI tools for both daily life and Oakley sport models, has drawn strong early buzz.
Apple hasn’t fully abandoned mixed reality. Gurman notes the company still plans a minor Vision Pro refresh later this year with an updated chip. But the move to sideline the cheaper headset underscores Apple’s view that glasses, not bulky headsets, are the path forward.
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