Apple pivots from Vision Pro to smart glasses to outpace Meta
Apple has halted work on a cheaper, lighter Vision Pro model to concentrate on a new pair of smart glasses, a shift aimed at tightening the company’s grip on the augmented-reality market against Meta. The pivot comes as Apple reorganizes its engineering priorities, diverting resources from a potential Vision Air project toward wearable eyewear that could compete with Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban offerings.
Rumors had circulated about a lighter, more affordable “Vision Air” slated for a 2027 debut. In a move to accelerate progress, Apple is moving engineers from that project onto its smart glasses initiative. The goal is to release a first generation that emphasizes AI and camera-based features rather than a full-blown head-up display.
The upcoming glasses are designed to rival Meta’s Ray-Ban Display AI, which blends a color display with AI-powered capabilities. Apple’s version will feature built-in cameras and microphones, and rely heavily on on-device AI plus voice input. A display-focused version could follow later, as Apple weighs a path that preserves fashion appeal while delivering practical, hands-free functionality. Some insiders expect the glasses could surface as soon as next year, with a more advanced, display-enabled variant targeted for 2028 as part of a broader AR strategy.
In this race, Meta’s flagship Ray-Ban Display has set a benchmark: a high-resolution, color display embedded in one lens that can show messages, photos, and Meta AI results. The glasses are designed to resemble ordinary frames, while serving as a stepping stone toward Meta’s larger “Orion” AR vision. Both Apple and Meta are pushing toward lighter, more wearable AR glasses that blend into daily life, rather than bulky headsets.
Apple’s glasses will lean on AI and voice commands, with the next generation hinging on a refreshed Siri architecture. Apple briefly paused updates to Siri after iOS 18 promised broader Apple Intelligence features, but a new Siri build based on updated architecture is expected in spring 2026. This AI foundation will be critical for hands-free operation and seamless interactions with the glasses’ cameras and sensors.
On the hardware side, the glasses will incorporate multiple material and frame options to position them as a fashion accessory. Buyers will be able to choose colors and styles, and the device will house an Apple-designed chip while remaining dependent on a connected iPhone for broader processing and data access. In addition to imaging and audio capabilities, the glasses are expected to include health-tracking features, alongside standard camera and microphone inputs.
Meanwhile, Apple is still planning to refresh the current Vision Pro line with an M5 chip later this year, suggesting that the company intends to maintain two parallel paths: refine its premium headset while pushing forward with lighter, more accessible glasses for general consumption.
Beyond the hardware, Apple’s strategy signals a broader push to blend technology with everyday wear. The company envisions a future where smart glasses supplement and extend iPhone capabilities, offering hands-free access to information, communication, and health insights. As Meta accelerates its own AR agenda with AI-assisted glasses, Apple’s pivot emphasizes speed to market, design versatility, and a robust AI backbone to differentiate its entry in the rapidly evolving glasses category.