Apple is reportedly pivoting away from a cheaper Vision Pro and accelerating development of its smart glasses — with the first version slated for a 2027 release. According to Mark Gurman, this strategic shift highlights Apple’s long-term vision: a world where wearable computing blends seamlessly into our daily lives, not just through immersive headsets, but through lightweight, intelligent eyewear.
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Why Apple is Moving Away from a Budget Vision Pro
The Vision Pro impressed with its technology — but not its price tag or practicality. With limited consumer adoption and complex hardware demands, Apple seems to be shelving plans for a cheaper version. Instead, they’re going all-in on a more scalable, mass-market product: Apple Glass.
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Apple Glass 2027: Intelligence First, Display Later
The first version of Apple Glass, expected in 2027, will feature Apple Intelligence (AI) and onboard cameras — but no built-in display. Think of it as a contextual AI assistant always within view. It’s about passive smarts, not augmented overlays.
Features to expect:
• Lightweight design that looks like everyday glasses
• Always-on AI assistant powered by Siri + Apple Intelligence
• Contextual actions triggered by voice or environment
• Built-in camera for photos, video, and AR context
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AR Apple Glass (2028): The Display Comes Next
In 2028, Apple is expected to release a true AR version — with a full display built into the lenses. This is the leap from helpful to immersive, where you can see overlays, directions, notifications, and more without pulling out your phone.
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Why This Matters
Smart glasses represent the next evolution in human-computer interaction. The smartphone era was defined by touchscreens. The next might be defined by wearable AI — blending cloud intelligence, voice interfaces, and contextual computing.
Apple’s shift shows they’re betting big on this vision — and it could reshape how we work, communicate, and access information in the next decade.
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Conclusion:
As Apple pulls back on making headsets more affordable, they’re pushing forward with something more transformative. If successful, Apple Glass could do for wearables what the iPhone did for mobile. And the future of tech may be looking us right in the eyes.