Apple has made a significant shift in its augmented reality strategy, suspending work on the next version of its Vision Pro headset, which was expected to launch in 2027. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company made this decision to create a strong competitor for Meta’s rapidly growing smart glasses market.

An improved Apple Vision Pro may not be released

According to the company’s internal plans, the improved Vision Pro model, codenamed N100, has been completely shelved. However, Apple continues development of a more affordable Vision Pro version, codenamed N109, aimed at a wider audience. The device bearing the model number “A3416”, which appeared in FCC filings, is believed to be part of this new, cheaper Vision Pro.

Apple’s main priority, however, is AI-powered smart glasses, expected to launch in 2026. These glasses will reportedly feature an integrated camera, microphone, and speakers, and will allow users to interact with the device through an advanced version of Siri. These glasses, planned to feature hands-free notifications, real-time AI support, and instant translation, will not feature a built-in AR display like Meta’s new Ray-Ban Display model.

This approach suggests Apple’s focus is on competing with Ray-Ban smart glasses, which lack screens and are simpler for everyday use, rather than directly targeting Meta’s Ray-Ban Display glasses with displays.

Meta’s glasses currently offer up to eight hours of wear time, 3K video recording, AI-powered live translation, and advanced noise cancellation. The newly introduced Ray-Ban Display model stands out with its waveguide display, 5,000 nits of brightness, and EMG-based Neural Band interface.

Apple’s smart glasses, expected to be announced next year, will be a critical step in the company’s AI strategy, allowing users to interact more naturally with AI in their daily lives.