Apple had planned to develop augmented reality (AR) glasses that could connect to Mac computers. However, according to Bloomberg, the project was canceled last week because the product did not meet expectations when tested internally. In addition, the company also continuously changed the desired features, leaving the project lacking a clear direction.
Unlike Vision Pro, this is not a bulky virtual reality headset but just a pair of regular glasses that can display information, images and videos right in the user's field of vision.
Apple has previously experimented with connecting glasses to iPhones, but the phones weren't powerful enough to handle it and the battery drained too quickly.
This canceled augmented reality headset has a lighter design than the Vision Pro, does not show the wearer's eyes, but is equipped with lenses that can change the darkness.
When the user is concentrating on work, the glasses will darken to signal that they do not want to be disturbed.
Bloomberg compares the product to the XReal One glasses or Meta's Orion prototype — a device that doesn't need to be connected to a phone or computer but still requires its own processor.
Apple’s goal is to create a product that can be used every day. However, the company is having trouble with the Vision Pro not being used as often as expected. Internally, some people on the development team believe that the AR glasses project had a unclear direction from the beginning.
Apple is still working on a successor to the Vision Pro, though, and is looking to develop AR glasses in the future. The company will also continue to refine the technologies used in the canceled project, including microLED displays, for future products.
