Apple Cancels Mac-Linked AR Glasses After Critical Internal Feedback

Bloomberg recently reported that Apple has made the decision to halt a project developing augmented reality (AR) glasses intended for a broad consumer base.

These glasses, initially slated for release in 2027, carried the codename N107. They were designed to work in conjunction with a Mac, presenting themselves as a more budget-friendly alternative to the $3,500 Vision Pro mixed reality headset.

Originally, Apple had plans for these AR glasses to connect directly with an iPhone. However, they ran into challenges with processing power and battery life. As a result, they opted to pivot, allowing it to pair with a Mac, which offers more robust processing capabilities and larger batteries.

During executive evaluations, this Mac-connected version didn’t exactly hit the mark. It seems that performance shortfalls, evolving design priorities, and projected pricing convinced Apple to halt the project.

Even with the termination of this venture— which bore some similarity to Meta’s Orion AR glasses prototype— Apple has not abandoned its AR ambitions. They’re looking to integrate the underlying technologies into future endeavors, such as developing custom microLED displays.

This pause in Apple’s AR journey comes as other tech giants continue to push forward with their extended reality (XR) initiatives. Google, for instance, is advancing its Android XR platform for new MR headsets and AR glasses. Meanwhile, Meta is reportedly progressing towards AR glasses, expected to debut before 2030, leveraging the foundational work from their Orion technology.

Interestingly, Meta’s Orion prototype routes processing and battery functions to an external, portable unit, maintaining the sleek design of its glasses. However, it’s uncertain if this feature will carry over to their consumer version, as relying on an external unit could raise production costs—a challenge Apple likely aimed to sidestep by utilizing existing consumer devices.