Apple Reportedly Planning New Vision Pro Models, Prioritizing Meta ...
The Meta AI-style glasses would serve as a placeholder until Apple can deliver more advanced AR eyewear, a new report suggests. The battle over face-worn tech is heating up. Apple is developing two new models of its Vision Pro headset, according to a report: one that's expected to be lighter and more affordable than the original, and another designed to tether with Macs.
Focus on Mainstream Appeal
Despite sluggish demand, the company remains focused on creating versions of the AR/VR headset with broader mainstream appeal, as Bloomberg reported on Monday.
Lower-Cost Vision Pro
The lower-cost Vision Pro will likely have a less powerful chip and scaled-back features, bringing the price down significantly from the original $3,500. It's also expected to include an ultralow-latency system for streaming a Mac display, according to the report. Apple is also still working on its own smart glasses equipped with cameras and microphones, similar to Meta's Ray-Ban line.
CEO Tim Cook's Vision
CEO Tim Cook "cares about nothing else" more than delivering a true pair of AR glasses, calling it a "top priority," Bloomberg said, citing an anonymous Apple engineer. Until the technology can be perfected in a way that's comfortable and as wearable as traditional eyewear, Apple sees camera- and mic-enabled glasses as a stepping stone into the space.
Future Development
This builds on earlier reports that Apple intends to channel some of the Vision Pro's billion-dollar R&D investment in visual intelligence into future products, including smart glasses expected to launch in 2027.
Challenges and Focus
Apple has often focused on refining existing technologies, from mixed-reality headsets to AI features. Meta currently holds a strong position in the smart glasses category, but Apple is determined to create a leading product before Meta can. The glasses would use Siri and Visual Intelligence as part of Apple's broader Apple Intelligence AI platform, with privacy remaining a central focus.
The Road Ahead
Apple's interest in smart glasses remains a long-term priority, with the goal of creating mass-market smart glasses that are affordable and user-friendly. The relationship between AR and AI is crucial, as both technologies continue to evolve and intersect in innovative ways.
