Apple Develops Smart Glasses With VisionOS To Compete With Meta

Apple’s foray into the AR/VR arena with the Vision Pro headset has not sparked the kind of product evolution the tech giant might have anticipated. The device’s bulky design combined with its steep price tag highlighted some significant challenges, but Apple remains determined to pursue its vision.

In fact, it appears that Apple is looking to broaden its focus in the wearables market, extending beyond the bounds of XR technology. As reported by Bloomberg, the tech company is exploring various concepts for smart glasses, featuring both advanced AR optics and simpler models lacking sophisticated displays.

According to insights from Mark Gurman’s PowerOn newsletter, “Apple is already working on a version of visionOS—the software powering the Vision Pro—that would be compatible with glasses.”

Recent reports shed light on an internal initiative dubbed “Atlas,” aimed at gathering employee feedback on the market potential for smart glasses. The goal is to outline desirable features and functionalities for Apple’s upcoming eyewear.

Apple’s entry into the smart glasses market appears to be somewhat delayed, as Meta has already unveiled its Orion AR smart glasses concept, though it might still be years before they hit the market as expenses decrease.

Additionally, Google has affirmed its commitment to developing smart glasses, with the Android XR framework laying the groundwork for future endeavors. Several other companies, like Halliday and Even Realities, are pursuing a more minimalist approach to smart glasses.

It seems Apple isn’t solely fixated on XR glasses. The company has been closely observing the success of the Meta Stories smart glasses, created in partnership with Ray-Ban.

“It’s also looking into a variety of wearable products, including a competitor to Meta’s Ray-Ban spectacles and even AirPods with built-in cameras,” Bloomberg adds.

The Meta smart glasses, which feature front-facing cameras, were initially launched as accessories for social media sharing and basic functions such as call management and music playback.

In recent months, they have gradually added new features, including integration with Meta’s AI ecosystem, which enhances user interaction and functions. There are plans for a successor that will introduce a screen for an even more immersive experience in the future.

Apple is no stranger to the possibilities offered by this technology. The Apple Intelligence framework utilizes OpenAI’s GPT ecosystem and includes features like Visual Intelligence that interpret the surroundings through the lenses of wearables equipped with cameras and sensors.

However, it remains uncertain how long it will take for Apple to launch a pair of smart glasses—whether they embrace XR capabilities or not. Given the lukewarm reception of the Vision Pro headset, Apple is likely to proceed carefully to ensure its smart glasses stand out in a competitive market.