Introduction to Apple’s AR Project
Apple has reportedly canceled its project to develop augmented reality (AR) lenses, codenamed N107, which might have competed with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. This decision comes after the industrial failure of the Apple Vision Pro headset, which was released in 2023. The Apple Vision Pro is a technically impressive device, however it has a really high price tag of $3,499 and limited use cases.
The AR Glasses Project
The N107 project aimed to create tech-equipped glasses that looked like regular glasses but offered AR features. The initial plan was to attach these glasses to an iPhone, but this concept was scrapped as a consequence of the high processing power requirements, which caused the iPhone’s battery to empty rapidly. Apple then shifted its focus to pairing the glasses with Mac devices, however the project still fell in need of expectations during testing. As a result, the corporate decided to leave the project altogether.
Comparison with Meta’s AR Glasses
Meta, however, seems to have found success with its AR glasses. The company’s Smart Glasses, developed in collaboration with Ray-Ban, sold over a million units in 2024. The glasses start at $300, making them more accessible to consumers. Although Meta’s Reality Labs division lost $5 billion within the fourth quarter of 2024, the corporate continues to be investing heavily in AR and VR technology. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has even suggested that the corporate could sell "billions of AI glasses" in the long run.
Future Plans for Apple and Meta
Apple goes back to the drafting board and is reportedly working on follow-up concepts for the Vision Pro and an AirPods model equipped with cameras. However, this approach seems more like a trial-and-error method reasonably than a well-planned strategy. Meta, however, is pushing forward with its wearables, including a brand new pair of Oakley-style AR glasses for athletes and a follow-up to the Ray-Ban smart glasses called Hypernova, which can feature a heads-up display.
Conclusion
The cancellation of Apple’s AR glasses project is a big setback for the corporate within the AR and VR space. With Meta’s success in selling over a million units of its Smart Glasses, it’s clear that there’s a marketplace for AR technology. Apple must regroup and provide you with a brand new technique to compete with Meta and other corporations within the AR and VR market. The way forward for AR and VR technology is exciting, and it should be interesting to see how Apple and Meta proceed to develop and innovate on this space.
