Did Meta's Momentum Push Apple to Scrap Its Vision Pro Overhaul?

Core Insights - Apple is pausing the development of its next Vision Pro headset and reallocating engineers to focus on smart glasses, recognizing the emerging competition in AI-powered lightweight eyewear [1][3][9] - The shift in strategy indicates Apple's adaptation to a market where competitors like Meta have already established a foothold with products like the Ray-Ban Display [9][11] Company Strategy - Apple has reassigned staff from the planned "N100" Vision Pro successor to two new glasses projects, one of which will connect to the iPhone without its own display, while the other will feature an integrated screen to compete with Meta's offerings [3] - The timeline for the display-equipped model has been accelerated from a planned 2028 release [3] Product Performance - The Vision Pro, launched in 2024 at a price of $3,499, has not met Apple's expectations, with executives acknowledging issues related to cost, weight, and a limited app ecosystem [4] - Consumer interest in the Vision Pro has declined since its launch, prompting Apple to shift its marketing focus towards business applications [4] Technological Development - Apple is developing specialized chips for the new glasses to support cameras, speakers, and sensors while optimizing power consumption [5] - The glasses are expected to rely heavily on voice commands and AI, with a revamped Siri intended to enhance user experience [5][7] Competitive Landscape - Meta has launched multiple iterations of smart eyewear, including the Ray-Ban Display at $799, which features a small lens display and gesture controls [6][7] - Meta's strategy emphasizes practicality, offering features like navigation and video capture in a lightweight design, which has generated strong early interest [6][7] Market Dynamics - The smart glasses market is rapidly evolving, with companies like Amazon and Google also developing AI-centric hardware [8] - Smart glasses are seen as a critical area for tech companies, with potential to rival smartphones as essential devices [9][10]