Apple Cancels Advanced Augmented Reality Glasses Project

Key Points:

* Apple has discontinued its project to develop advanced augmented reality (AR) glasses.
* The glasses were intended to connect with Apple devices but faced challenges in processing power, battery life, and performance.
* Meta remains a competitive player in the AR market, with plans to launch its own glasses in 2027.
* Apple has also faced setbacks in other technology areas, including self-driving cars and Apple Watch screens.
* The company remains focused on developing successor products to the Vision Pro and other AR technologies.

Background:

Apple's AR glasses project, codenamed N107, faced multiple roadblocks during development. Initially designed to pair with iPhones, it encountered limitations in processing capacity and battery drain. Apple later switched to a Mac-connected approach but encountered performance issues during executive reviews. Concerns over the project's viability grew within the Vision Products Group.

Meta's Advantage:

Meta Platforms, formerly Facebook, has a strong presence in the AR market with its popular Ray-Ban smart glasses. The company plans to release augmented reality-enabled glasses by 2027. Meta's prototype, code-named Orion, is similar to Apple's N107 in design.

Industry Outlook:

The ultimate goal for the AR industry is to create fully standalone glasses with integrated screens, processors, and operating systems. Meta's Orion and Lenovo's ThinkReality glasses are examples of this concept. Apple's N107 had features comparable to Xreal's One spectacles.

Apple's Future:

Despite the setback, Apple continues to focus on AR technologies. The company is working on updates to the Vision Pro headset and exploring new concepts such as AirPods with cameras. Apple's VisionOS operating system offers the potential for innovative AR experiences, such as virtual monitor displays.

Conclusion:

Apple's cancellation of the N107 glasses highlights the challenges in developing and commercializing consumer-friendly AR technology. The company faces competition from Meta and other industry players, as well as the need to find a way to make AR headsets appealing to the general public.