Apple Shelves Mac-Connected AR Glasses Project
In a surprising turn of events, Apple has reportedly put its ambitious AR glasses project on hold. The glasses, designed to connect with Macs and function as a virtual display extension, have been abandoned despite years of advancement.
These glasses, initially envisioned as an iPhone accessory, were set to leverage the “Mac Virtual display” feature already present on Apple’s Vision pro headset. This feature, arguably one of the most compelling aspects of the Vision Pro, allows users to extend their desktop onto the headset’s immersive display. The idea behind the AR glasses was to offer this functionality in a more accessible and consumer-pleasant form factor.
Previous reports have indicated that the Vision Pro itself was a compromise due to technological limitations. Packing all the necessary hardware for a truly compact AR glasses device proved to be a meaningful challenge for apple. While the canceled project showed considerable promise, internal sources have revealed scattered development and a lack of clear direction.
Apple Vision Pro Production Halt: A Turning Point for XR?
The tech world is abuzz with news that Apple has halted production of its highly anticipated Vision Pro headset, citing disappointing sales figures. The $3,499 price tag undoubtedly played a role, but this decision has sent ripples through the extended reality (XR) industry, leaving many wondering about the future of this promising technology.
Interestingly, despite the Vision Pro’s lukewarm reception, Apple has hinted at future iterations, even cheaper versions, leaving a glimmer of hope for the device’s evolution. Though, some industry observers speculate that these successors may face the same challenges as othre ambitious Apple projects, like the long-rumored Apple car, ultimately failing to materialize.
Last year, Meta’s proclamation of its “Orion” glasses reignited the race to develop practical, comfortable AR eyewear. Companies recognized the limitations of bulky VR headsets, realizing that glasses offered a more appealing and accessible path for mainstream adoption. The Vision Pro, despite its shortcomings, had breathed new life into the XR landscape, inspiring competitors to accelerate their own development efforts.
The Vision Pro’s cancellation is a disheartening blow to the XR community. While VR had struggled to gain traction beyond niche audiences, the Vision Pro’s launch sparked renewed interest and investment in the field. Let’s hope this setback won’t discourage other manufacturers from pursuing their XR ambitions. the Vision Pro, hailed by some as one of the best AR headsets ever created, held immense potential, and its demise leaves a void waiting to be filled.
