Apple Shifts Focus to AI Smart Glasses as Vision Pro Development Ends
Apple has reportedly halted the development of its Vision Pro headset lineup, marking a significant pivot in the company's wearable strategy. Following the release of the M5 refresh in October 2025, which faced high return rates and sluggish sales, the tech giant is now prioritizing the creation of lightweight AI smart glasses. This strategic shift suggests that the era of bulky spatial computing headsets may be ending in favor of more wearable, everyday technology.
The decision to cancel future iterations, including the rumored budget-friendly Vision Air, comes as lifetime sales for the Vision Pro reached only 600,000 units. Internal teams previously dedicated to headset hardware have been moved to other departments, with many engineers joining the Siri division to bolster the company's Apple Intelligence initiatives. While the current M5 model remains available for purchase, no further hardware updates are expected for the platform.
The Rise of AI Smart Glasses
Apple is now fast-tracking a new project to integrate Apple Intelligence into a form factor similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. By moving away from the 1.3-pound weight of the Vision Pro, the company aims to solve the physical discomfort and high $3,499 price point that hindered the headset's adoption. These upcoming AI smart glasses are expected to focus on lightweight design and seamless voice-driven AI interactions rather than immersive virtual reality.
The transition reflects a broader industry trend where consumer interest is shifting toward functional, AI-enhanced wearables. Supply chain sources indicate that the visionOS ecosystem will likely be adapted to support these new glasses, ensuring that existing software investments are not entirely lost. As of April 2026, Apple has not provided a specific release window for the new eyewear, but the redistribution of the hardware team suggests that development is already well underway.
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