Bloomberg recently revealed that Apple has decided to halt its plans to develop augmented reality (AR) glasses aimed at the general public.
The device, internally known as N107 and set for a 2027 launch, was supposed to be a pair of AR glasses that worked with Macs. Apple was promoting it as a more affordable option compared to the $3,500 Vision Pro mixed reality headset.
According to insiders, Apple initially envisioned N107 connecting with iPhones. However, challenges with processing power and battery life led them to change course and make it compatible primarily with Macs, which offer more robust processing capabilities and bigger batteries.
Interestingly, even when connected to a Mac, the device still failed to impress during executive reviews. It’s reported that the team’s struggles with performance issues, changing design goals, and anticipated pricing ultimately led to shelving the project.
Yet, Apple isn’t abandoning its whole AR effort. Despite this setback, they intend to integrate the technology into future ventures, such as custom microLED displays, signaling that their AR ambitions are far from over.
Meanwhile, other tech giants are advancing their own extended reality (XR) initiatives. Google is working on an Android XR platform for mixed reality headsets and AR glasses, while Meta is deeply invested in AR research. Meta plans to release a pair of AR glasses before 2030, based on their Orion prototype.
The Orion project notably separates processing and battery functions into a compact, portable unit, preserving the lightweight form factor of the glasses. Whether Meta carries this concept into its consumer glasses remains a mystery, as it could drive up costs—something Apple seemed keen to avoid by hoping consumers would use devices they already owned.
