Apple (AAPL) is halting development of a lightweight version of the Vision Pro headset to fast-track its smart glasses project, Bloomberg reported. The tech giant is shifting focus to AI-powered wearables to compete directly with Meta Platforms’ (META) Ray-Ban Display glasses.
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The rumored “Vision Air,” a lighter and more budget-friendly headset previously anticipated for a 2027 launch, is now effectively shelved. Engineers from that project are being transitioned to focus on the smart glasses.
Apple Eyes 2027 Launch
Apple is developing a set of smart glasses featuring cameras, microphones, and AI capabilities. The tech giant is now aiming to reveal the new glasses as soon as next year, with a potential launch expected in 2027.
The first version of the smart glasses is expected to offer voice control, AI help, and health tracking, but no display. This means that the model will connect to an iPhone for display and processing.
Interestingly, the company is also working on a second model with a display that may be launched in 2028. This product would directly compete with Meta’s glasses.
Importantly, Apple’s move into smart glasses, which rely on voice interaction and AI, comes as the company works to improve its past performance in those areas. The iPhone maker has faced setbacks with its slow Apple Intelligence rollout and delays in upgrading Siri.
However, AAPL is counting on a new version of Siri, coming early next year, to run its smart glasses and other upcoming devices.
Is Apple a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Turning to Wall Street, Apple stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 18 Buys, 14 Holds, and two Sells assigned in the last three months. At $253.27, the average AAPL stock price target implies a limited downside risk of 0.85%.
