Apple pivots to smartglasses, delaying next generation Vision Pro
Apple is shifting gears in its wearables strategy, prioritizing smartglasses that could rival Meta’s Ray-Ban lineup and putting work on the next generation Vision Pro on pause for the moment. Citing discussions with industry sources, MacRumors reports that Apple is fast tracking an eyewear project designed to be more than just a gadget, but a fashion accessory with smart capabilities integrated seamlessly into everyday life.
A fashion first approach to wearable tech
In its early days, the Apple Watch showed that hardware can be both stylish and highly functional. Now Apple is reportedly aiming to extend that philosophy to eyewear. Expect multiple frame options, different temple materials, a spectrum of colours, sizes, and shapes to give users ample customization. How slim these glasses can become remains a question, given the need to house a battery, processor, and cameras inside a tiny frame. But the goal is clear: a device that people want to wear, not just a device they use.
Design choices that matter
The plan appears to emphasize fashion as much as function. With varying frame aesthetics and materials, the glasses could appeal to a broad audience, from subtle, everyday wear to more expressive styles. The idea is to blend into daily life while delivering AI powered features, rather than shouting tech in every gesture.
Siri and AI at the heart of the glasses
Central to the user experience will be a rebuilt Siri using advanced language models. Apple reportedly expects a more capable assistant by spring 2026, capable of handling translations, navigation tasks, describing surroundings, and reminding users where they left things. This shift signals a broader strategy to make AI a natural companion in wearable devices, extending beyond basic voice commands to proactive, context aware assistance.
How the glasses will work with iPhone and AI processing
Unlike some competitors, Apple is not expected to ship a built in display at launch. Instead, the glasses will offer AI driven features similar to lower priced AR eyewear, such as photo and video capture, audio playback, calls and messaging, and real time translations. Real world usefulness hinges on how much processing can be offloaded to a connected iPhone and how efficiently a custom Apple designed chip handles core tasks. The design choice to rely partially on an iPhone help to preserve battery life while keeping the glasses compact and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Timeline, price, and competitive positioning
Industry insiders speculate Apple could reveal the glasses in late 2026, with a commercial launch hoped for in early 2027. Pricing details have not been disclosed, but observers compare the expected price point to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, which start around a few hundred dollars. Apple’s play would be to blend style, AI features, and robust ecosystem integration to make the glasses a compelling value even if they sit at a premium corner of the market.
What this means for the future of wearables
The shift signals a new chapter in wearable technology where fashion and AI powered connectivity converge. If Apple can deliver a visually appealing, easy to use smartglasses experience that leverages an iPhone powered AI brain, the category could become more mainstream than ever. The pause on next generation Vision Pro development suggests Apple believes there is more to gain from a fashionable, social wearable today, while continuing to iterate the immersive experiences that the Vision Pro could unlock down the line.
Bottom line
Apple appears to be betting on a smarter, more stylish pair of glasses that blend AI with everyday life. By prioritizing design, Siri driven interactions, and iPhone connectivity, Apple is positioning itself to compete in a growing smartglasses market while the next generation Vision Pro moves to the back burner for now. Plans could evolve, but the strategic shift marks a bold step toward a future where wearable tech doubles as a daily fashion statement and a powerful AI assistant.
