Apple shelves Vision headset revamp to prioritise Meta-like AI glasses

Core Viewpoint - Apple is shifting its focus from the Vision Pro headset to developing smart glasses to compete with Meta Platforms Inc. [1][9] Group 1: Product Development - Apple has paused the development of a lighter variant of the Vision Pro headset, code-named N100, originally planned for 2027, to allocate resources towards smart glasses [1][10] - The company is working on at least two types of smart glasses: the N50, which will pair with an iPhone and lack its own display, expected to be unveiled as soon as next year, and another version with a display, initially planned for 2028 but now being accelerated [3][4] - The new smart glasses are expected to include features such as speakers for music playback, cameras for media recording, and voice-control capabilities [8] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Meta has a head start in the smart glasses market, having released its first model, Ray-Ban Stories, in 2021, and a newer version, Ray-Ban Meta, in 2023 [5] - Meta's recent updates to its non-display glasses include improved cameras and longer battery life, indicating a strong foothold in the devices market [5] - Other tech giants like Amazon and Google are also racing to launch AI-powered hardware, highlighting the competitive nature of the smart glasses arena [7] Group 3: Technology and Features - Apple's smart glasses will heavily rely on voice interaction and artificial intelligence, areas where the company has faced challenges in the past [6] - The company is planning to enhance its Siri voice assistant, which is expected to support a new range of devices, including the upcoming smart glasses [6] - The glasses are anticipated to feature health-tracking capabilities, expanding their functionality beyond traditional uses [8] Group 4: Market Strategy - The shift in focus to smart glasses comes after the Vision Pro's underwhelming debut, which was criticized for being too heavy and expensive [9][13] - Apple is attempting to pivot its marketing strategy for the Vision Pro towards business applications, similar to approaches taken by Microsoft and Google [13] - Despite the current shift, Apple has not completely abandoned the Vision Pro and may still release a lighter, cheaper version in the future [13]