As reported by Bloomberg, Apple has decided to shelve the cheaper and lighter overhaul of the Apple Vision Pro, to speed up the development of its first competitors to Meta’s AI glasses. Here are the details.

If you follow Apple Vision Pro news, you probably know that Apple had reportedly been working on lighter version of the headset, which was slated for a 2027 release with a cheaper price tag.

Alongside the cheaper and lighter Apple Vision Pro variant, Apple has been developing a few other head-mounted products, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo:

• An M5 Apple Vision Pro slated for 2025;
• A second-gen Apple Vision Pro slated for 2H-2028;
• 1st-gen Apple Glasses, slated for Q2-2027;
• Two XT smart glasses, expected o enter mass production in 2028;
• A “display accessory,” with little to no details shared so far.

Specifically about the 1st-gen Apple glasses, Bloomberg reported earlier this year that Apple CEO Tim Cook had made the project a “top priority,” despite reports of a 2027 launch.

Meanwhile, Meta has already sold over 2 million units of its smart glasses, made in partnership with Luxottica, and has just announced the Meta Ray-Ban Display, its first display-enabled AI glasses.

Now, Bloomberg reports that Apple has shelved the higher Vision Pro variant, “to redirect resources toward (…) developing smart glasses that can rival products from Meta Platforms Inc.”

From the report:

“The company is working on at least two types of smart glasses. The first one, dubbed N50, will pair with an iPhone and lack its own display. Apple aims to unveil this model as soon as next year, ahead of a release in 2027, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters.”

Bloomberg also says that Apple is working on display-powered glasses, which are slated for 2028, “but the company is now looking to accelerate development.”

The report also mentions that, like with Meta’s devices, Apple’s glasses “will rely heavily on voice interaction and artificial intelligence,” despite the company’s recent struggles with the latter. The glasses will reportedly run on a new chip, come in a variety of styles, and may include health capabilities.

Do you think Apple’s change of plans is the right move? Let us know in the comments.

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