Cupertino, 1 October 2025 – Apple is reportedly putting its lighter, lower-cost redesign of the Vision Pro headset on hold to redirect engineering resources toward developing AI-powered smart glasses, devices that more closely resemble Meta’s wearable strategy.
The company had been internally working on a project, codenamed N100, intended to deliver a more affordable, slimmer version of Vision Pro by 2027. That initiative is now being scaled back, with personnel reallocated to two smart glasses lines: one model without a built-in display (expected to work in tandem with an iPhone) and another with its own display, originally slated for 2028 but now being fast-tracked.
While the overhaul is postponed, Apple still plans a more modest refresh of the current Vision Pro design, possibly introducing a faster processor and minor enhancements by the end of 2025.
This pivot reflects Apple’s judgment that smart glasses, lighter, more wearable, and more compatible with day-to-day use, may have a broader consumer appeal than full mixed reality headsets. The move also positions Apple to better compete with Meta, which is advancing its Ray-Ban display glasses and other wearable offerings.
Investor Insights for Asia
For Asian technology investors, Apple’s shift is a strong signal that the next frontier of hardware may lie in AI-infused eyewear rather than bulky headsets. Companies in Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan involved in optics, AR/VR modules, sensors, displays, and wearable electronics could see renewed interest as Apple and others seek regional partners to scale smart glasses manufacturing.
Apple’s decision also suggests it views smart glasses as more tolerable to cost pressures and user friction: less weight, lower power draw, and a form factor closer to regular eyewear may improve adoption. In markets with smartphone saturation, accessories like smart glasses may be among the few remaining hardware growth areas.
However, Apple must still convince consumers and developers that smart glasses offer compelling use cases over phones, especially in Asia where adoption of wearable tech is mixed. The challenge of balancing functionality, comfort, battery life, and privacy will be critical.
