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It appears that Apple’s ambitions to develop augmented reality (AR) glasses remain alive, although it may be a while before these products make their debut. According to recent reports from Bloomberg, Apple has paused its AR glasses initiative, reminiscent of its previously stifled car project.
However, the publication indicates that Apple hasn’t completely abandoned the idea. Mark Gurman stated in his latest installment of the PowerOn newsletter that Apple’s ultimate vision for standalone AR glasses remains unchanged. The company intends to continue developing the essential technologies, such as screens and chipsets, that would support the viability of such a device.
The news of Apple potentially shelving its smart glasses project seemed unexpected, especially as the demand for this technology is beginning to grow. The smart glasses sector is buzzing with activity, proving to be more dynamic than traditional devices like smartphones and laptops at their core.
Companies like RayNeo, Xreal, and TCL are developing glasses with integrated display units that provide new opportunities for immersive computing and content consumption. Meanwhile, Razer and Amazon have introduced Bluetooth-connected glasses that do not feature a display. Instead, they allow users to manage calls and listen to music through their phones.
Even more innovative concepts are emerging from smaller companies. For instance, the Halliday Glasses depart from traditional display technologies, incorporating an “invisible” optical module. Additionally, the Even Realities G1 glasses merge optical and display lenses seamlessly, offering a remarkably minimalist approach to information display.
The industry giants are also making strides. Meta recently unveiled its Orion smart glasses, featuring holographic technology that layers both 2D and 3D content over users’ real-world environments. Google’s wearable ambitions have also been evident through glimpses shared over the past couple of years.
Apple’s own foray into smart glasses, which was under the internal codename N107, was reportedly promising. The N107 prototypes were said to contain sophisticated projectors designed to relay information, images, and videos within the wearer’s field of vision, akin to the AR glasses being explored by Meta and others. Additionally, these internal units featured lenses capable of automatically adjusting their tint, enhancing usability.
Despite the reported pause, Apple plans to persist in refining the core technology necessary for developing its envisioned smart glasses, striving to achieve an appealing blend of comfort, performance, and immersive experience.
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