Apple’s Vision Pro headset, with its hefty price tag and cumbersome design, hasn’t revolutionized the AR/VR market as anticipated. However, Apple remains committed to its wearable vision and is reportedly exploring smart glasses, both with and without advanced AR capabilities. This move positions Apple to compete directly with Meta and Google in the burgeoning smart glasses arena.
According to Mark Gurman’s PowerOn newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple is developing a version of visionOS, the Vision Pro’s operating system, specifically designed to run on smart glasses. This suggests a move beyond the limitations of the headset towards a more accessible wearable experience.
Apple has also launched an internal program codenamed “Atlas,” focused on gathering employee feedback on the smart glasses market and potential features. This initiative aims to define the optimal functionality and user experience for Apple’s smart glasses offering.
Apple's Vision Pro Headset
Apple’s entry into the smart glasses market is not unprecedented. Meta has already previewed its Orion AR smart glasses concept, though a market release is still some years away due to cost constraints. Google, too, has confirmed its commitment to smart glasses, with Android XR providing the platform for future development. Smaller players like Halliday and Even Realities are also exploring minimalist approaches to smart glasses technology.
Beyond AR-focused glasses, Apple is reportedly exploring other wearable product categories, including a competitor to Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses and potentially camera-equipped AirPods. This indicates a broader strategy to expand its presence in the wearable tech market.
Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories, equipped with front-facing cameras, initially focused on social media sharing and basic functions like calls and music playback. However, they have recently integrated with Meta’s AI stack, significantly enhancing their capabilities. A successor with a display for increased immersion is reportedly in development.
Meta's Ray-Ban Stories Smart Glasses
Apple’s own AI capabilities, including its Apple Intelligence stack powered by OpenAI’s GPT ecosystem and features like Visual Intelligence, suggest potential synergies with smart glasses technology. Visual Intelligence leverages AI to interpret the user’s visual field, offering exciting possibilities for augmented reality applications.
The timeline for Apple’s smart glasses release remains unclear. Given the lukewarm reception of the Vision Pro, Apple is likely to prioritize refining its smart glasses offering to ensure a competitive edge. This strategic move positions Apple to compete aggressively in the evolving wearables landscape, challenging established players like Meta and Google.
