CUPERTINO, CA—Apple Inc. has reportedly paused development on a highly anticipated, lighter, and more affordable version of its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset—often referred to as the “Vision Air”—to accelerate its entry into the rapidly growing market for AI-powered smart glasses, a move that directly challenges Meta Platforms Inc.'s early dominance in the space.

The strategic pivot signals a change in focus for the tech giant, shifting resources away from a premium, high-cost spatial computing device to a more mainstream, wearable AI accessory.

The Strategic Shift

Sources familiar with the internal decision, as reported by Bloomberg and others, indicate that Apple has reallocated key personnel from the Vision Pro overhaul project (internally code-named N100) to its smart glasses initiatives. The cheaper, lighter Vision Pro variant was previously expected to launch around 2027.

This aggressive new timeline reflects Apple's urgency to compete in a category many view as the potential successor to the smartphone—a sector where Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have already gained significant traction.

Two-Pronged Approach to Wearable AI

Apple is now reportedly prioritizing two distinct smart glasses projects:

  1. iPhone-Tethered Glasses (N50): This initial model, which may be unveiled as soon as next year for a 2027 release, is designed to pair with an iPhone and will lack its own display. Similar to the current Ray-Ban Meta glasses, it is expected to feature cameras, microphones, and speakers, relying heavily on a revamped, AI-centric version of Siri for voice interaction and functionality.
  2. Display-Enabled Glasses: A more advanced version that will include an integrated display—intended to compete with Meta’s recently announced Ray-Ban Display—was originally slated for 2028 but is now being fast-tracked.

The glasses are expected to emphasize voice commands and sophisticated Artificial Intelligence, an area where Apple has been broadly criticized for lagging behind competitors like Google.

The Future of Vision Pro

While the "Vision Air" is on hold, the Vision Pro headset itself is not being abandoned. Reports suggest Apple will continue with a minor refresh of the current $3,499 model, likely featuring a faster M5 chip later this year. However, the decision to halt the cheaper, lighter redesign (N100) suggests Apple may be re-evaluating the Vision Pro's mass-market potential, possibly pivoting it toward more niche or professional applications while reserving the consumer fight for the smart glasses.

The accelerated focus on AI glasses demonstrates Apple's realization that the next great computing battleground is on the face, not just around it, as it attempts to close the gap with Meta in the burgeoning wearable AI segment.