Apple has ultimately decided not to pursue the development of augmented reality glasses. These glasses were intended to work with Macs and present various kinds of content in full view of the user.
Expected technological developments included lenses automatically adjusting their tint reflecting the practical action the user was engaged in. Unfortunately, the project has been marred with a slew of complications. Finding appropriate technology that could be included affordably was a major issue. The vision wasn’t realized, as approaches taken to integrate the glasses with Macs fell short on execution, which only compounded setbacks.
As Apple backs off from this venture, it will stop being a direct competitor to Meta. Meta has already made some significant sales, having sold over one million pairs of Ray-Ban smart glasses. They are gearing up to introduce an augmented reality version by 2027. While Apple is still preparing its way forward with products, including Vision Pro, the curtains on AR glasses development expose the difficult balance of certain qualities, usability, and decent prices.
This growing field of augmented reality continues to generate interest. Apple’s withdrawal from smart glasses offers breathing space for rivals like Meta. Yet it also points to a chance for Apple to come up with something genuinely new in time. When able to get conditions more favorable, the company might well reconsider this technology down the road.