Apple plans AI smart glasses and halts Vision Air development

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Apple has halted plans for a lighter and cheaper version of the Vision Pro. Instead, it is now focusing on developing AI smart glasses. The goal is clear: to bring competitive products to market faster so as not to fall behind Meta.

The Vision Pro is considered Apple's flagship technical project, but its high price and weight make it a niche product. A lighter version called the "Vision Air" was originally planned for 2027, but this plan has now been scrapped. Engineers and resources are instead being channeled into a smart glasses project intended to directly compete with Meta's Ray-Ban glasses.

Apple sets new course

Apple is working on AI smart glasses equipped with cameras, microphones, and intelligent features. The first version is scheduled to be unveiled in 2026 and released in 2027. However, it will initially be released without a display. At the same time, Apple is developing a model with an integrated display, which was originally scheduled to launch in 2028. However, due to Meta's rapid progress, this schedule has been accelerated.

Meta sets the standard

Meta has already launched several product variants of its Ray-Ban glasses. The display version is particularly attracting attention: A full-color, high-resolution display in one of the lenses displays messages, photos, and information from Meta AI. The design remains unobtrusive and resembles regular glasses. This model is considered an intermediate step towards Meta's planned Orion AR glasses, which are intended to offer full-fledged augmented reality functions. According to Bloomberg , Apple sees itself under pressure to act. While Meta has been regularly releasing new glasses since 2023, Apple needs to accelerate its project to compete directly with the competition.

Siri as a key technology

A key component of Apple's smart glasses will be a new version of Siri. The current version failed to meet expectations for the announced Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18. Therefore, the launch of the redesigned Siri has been postponed to spring 2026. The new architecture is intended to ensure more reliable voice control and allow the smart glasses to benefit more from AI.

Design and functions in detail

In addition to technical features, Apple places great emphasis on design. The glasses will be available in a variety of frame styles, materials, and colors, making them a compelling fashion accessory. Under the hood, a proprietary Apple chip operates, but it will still rely on a connected iPhone. Planned features include:

Cameras and microphones
AI-supported voice commands
Health tracking
close connection to the iPhone

Apple is thus focusing on an interplay of hardware, software and lifestyle aspects that is typical of the brand.

Vision Pro remains in the program

Although the Vision Air has been discontinued, the Vision Pro isn't disappearing from the market. The current model is scheduled to receive an update with the new M5 chip before the end of this year. Apple is thus pursuing a dual strategy: premium hardware for the high-end market and AI smart glasses for a wider audience.

From Vision Air to smart glasses: Apple's strategy shift

Apple is accelerating the development of its AI smart glasses, shifting its focus away from the Vision Air. This decision demonstrates that wearable AI devices are considered a key technology for the coming years. The pressure from Meta is intense, as Ray-Ban glasses are already testing AI and display features in everyday life. While Meta is extending its lead, Apple is relying on design, the ecosystem, and a new generation of Siri to catch up. Whether the strategy succeeds will be decided in the coming years—when the first Apple smart glasses reach the market and the competition for the future of augmented reality enters its heated phase. (Image: Shutterstock / Tero Vesalainen)