Apple has reportedly canceled its Apple AR glasses project, codenamed N107. The glasses, designed to resemble regular eyewear with display-equipped lenses, were expected to connect to a Mac. However, technical and cost challenges led to their discontinuation.
Apple Abandons AR Glasses Development
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple halted work on N107, a project aimed at developing lightweight AR glasses. Unlike the Vision Pro, these glasses focused on overlaying digital content without mixed-reality features. They also included tint-changing lenses, which would signal whether the user was engaged.
Apple initially planned to pair the glasses with an iPhone, but battery limitations forced a shift to Mac connectivity. This change reportedly failed to impress Apple executives, leading to the project’s cancellation.
What This Means for Apple’s AR Future
The cancellation raises concerns about Apple’s extended reality (XR) ambitions. In 2023, Apple also scrapped another Apple AR glasses project and reportedly paused development on the Vision Pro 2. Instead, the company is shifting focus to a more affordable version of its Vision Pro headset.
Meanwhile, Apple’s current mixed-reality device, the Vision Pro, has struggled to gain mainstream traction.
Apple Falls Behind in AR Competition
While Apple scales back, rivals are pushing forward. CES 2025 showcased various smart glasses innovations, and Google recently introduced Android XR. Samsung is also entering the AR space with its Project Moohan headset.
Meta, a leader in the field, continues advancing its AR technology. The company is expected to launch Oakley-branded smart glasses for athletes and a high-end version of its Ray-Ban smart glasses with a built-in display. CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains committed to AR, viewing smart glasses as a key platform for AI assistants.
Apple’s decision to abandon another Apple AR glasses project puts it at a disadvantage. With competitors innovating rapidly, the company’s next move in the AR space remains uncertain.
