Apple is working on a new version of visionOS in hopes of compensating for its losses in the smart glasses market.

 

Apple's Vision Pro headset has encountered several challenges, struggling to gain significant sales traction due to its high price point and bulky design, which some users find uncomfortable for extended use. Despite these setbacks, Apple remains committed to the future of spatial computing and continues its efforts to refine and expand its product lineup in this space.

According to recent reports, Apple is actively developing a version of visionOS designed to support smart glasses. This operating system is expected to be based on the same software that powers the Vision Pro, but it is unlikely that Apple’s smart glasses will hit the market anytime soon. Industry insiders estimate that the launch of such a device could take at least three years—or even longer—before reaching consumers.

Originally, Apple had planned to release smart glasses as a complementary product to the Vision Pro, with an expected launch within a year or two. However, significant technological hurdles have forced the company to postpone its plans. Instead, Apple is now considering ways to bridge the gap between its high-end Vision Pro headset and future lightweight smart glasses. One of the possible solutions is the development of more affordable mixed-reality devices that could attract a broader audience. While these potential devices may offer a compromise between functionality and price, they are unlikely to be released this year.

Despite these obstacles, Apple remains determined to reshape the future of augmented and virtual reality. While the Vision Pro may have faced initial hurdles, the company’s long-term strategy suggests that smart glasses will play a major role in the evolution of wearable technology. However, consumers may have to wait a few more years before a sleek, lightweight, and accessible Apple smart glasses become a reality.