Apple has canceled an augmented reality (AR) glasses project codenamed N107, a move that casts doubt on the company’s future plans for AR technology. The N107 glasses were expected to feature displays in the lenses that could connect to a Mac and offer features similar to those of other AR glasses like Xreal One.
Developing cost-effective AR glasses proved challenging, with Apple initially trying to power them using an iPhone but ultimately switching to a Mac due to battery issues. The change didn’t go well with executives during testing. This cancellation follows another reported cancellation in 2023 and puts pressure on Apple to catch up with competitors like Meta and Google, which have made significant advancements in AR technology.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been a strong supporter of smart glasses as a platform for AI assistants, and the company is expected to release its own line of smart glasses this year. With Vision Pro struggling to find traction, the cancellation of N107 raises questions about Apple’s commitment to AR and XR technology.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/604378/apple-n107-ar-glasses-canceled