New augmented reality glasses latest project to be abandoned by Apple

Apple Inc. has canceled its project to develop advanced augmented reality (AR) glasses, marking another setback in its effort to create a consumer-friendly headset. The project, code-named N107, aimed to produce glasses that resembled regular eyewear but featured built-in displays and would connect to a Mac.

The decision to shut down the initiative this week was reported by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter, who indicated that the glasses were intended to offer a more accessible alternative to the Apple Vision Pro, a $3,499 device that was criticized for being too bulky and expensive for mainstream consumers.

Apple had hoped that these glasses would appeal to everyday users, offering an easier entry point into augmented reality. However, challenges in finding the right technology at the right price point led to difficulties in executing the project. Initially, Apple intended for the glasses to pair with an iPhone, but this approach was problematic due to limitations in processing power and its impact on battery life.

As a result, the company shifted to a Mac-based design, using the more powerful processors and larger batteries of the Mac computer. Despite this adjustment, the article recalls that the Mac-connected glasses performed poorly during internal reviews, and the project faced continued changes in design and features.

The decision to cancel the N107 glasses came after the Vision Products Group (VPG), the team responsible for the project, became increasingly concerned about its viability. As the project faced continued setbacks, including concerns about its direction, it was ultimately decided to wind it down. The cancellation is the latest in a series of high-profile failures for Apple, with the article listing the company halting its decade-long self-driving car project last year and canceled plans for custom Apple Watch screens in 2024.

Despite the cancellation of the N107 glasses, Apple continues to focus on the broader AR and headset market. The Vision Pro, though struggling with initial sales, remains a technical achievement. The article cites CEO Tim Cook, who highlighted the growing corporate interest in the product, even though consumer adoption has been slow. Nevertheless, within Apple, there are concerns about the lack of focus and direction in the Vision Products Group, which is overseen by executives Mike Rockwell and John Ternus. This has led to low morale within the team, according to Bloomberg, particularly with the cancellation of the N107.

Apple remains committed to its AR ambitions, with plans for future iterations of the Vision Pro and other concepts in development, such as AirPods with cameras. Executives continue to express hope that the company will eventually produce a successful, standalone AR glasses product, despite the setbacks. However, the article's authors warn that Apple faces increasing competition in the AR space, particularly from Meta Platforms, which already sells Ray-Ban smart glasses and is working on an augmented reality version set for release by 2027—coincidentally the same year Apple had planned to release its glasses.

By Nazrin Sadigova