Is Apple lagging behind? Why they haven't released augmented reality glasses yet

Vision Pro pointed to the future that only AR glasses can realize

When the Vision Pro was introduced last year, reviewers identified two main drawbacks of the device:

• It should be lighter, and the ideal form factor is glasses
• It is too expensive

Aside from these issues, the Vision Pro and its visionOS operating system made an impression as technologically advanced products.

For many, the device looked like the future, but with a number of limitations that prevented its full implementation.

Speaking about the prospects of Apple Glasses, there are two key factors that prevent their rapid release:

• Physical limitations
• Other Apple wearables

The dream of AR glasses exists, but how realistic is it? Not yet.

Apple must first release Vision Pro with a significantly lower weight, which will not require additional accessories developed by medical experts for ease of use. Only then can we seriously talk about the release of full-fledged AR glasses.

But someone might say that if Apple can't release real AR glasses yet, why not create a Ray-Ban analog of Meta?

Many people speak positively about Meta smart glasses and other competitors. However, all of these devices have one thing in common: their functionality is largely limited to what Apple's wearables already offer - or will be able to offer in the near future.

AirPods and Apple Watch have already become bestsellers and together are capable of performing most of the functions available in modern smart glasses.

Siri and ChatGPT are always at your fingertips with AirPods in your ears, notifications can be listened to via Siri or read on Apple Watch, playback control, translator, and other functions are available on your wrist - and that's not all.

According to various sources, Apple is developing new AirPods models with cameras, which will solve one of the last tasks that only smart glasses can handle so far.

Given that Apple's existing wearables already perform many of these functions, the company is unlikely to release smart glasses until it can implement full AR support in them.

Results

Will the day come when we all wear AR glasses? Perhaps.

But first, technology must advance significantly to create a truly compelling product that will lead to such a cultural shift. And it appears that this moment is still several years away.

Less complex devices, such as smart glasses, may become widespread much sooner. But if AirPods and Apple Watch already offer similar functions, won't most users prefer these accessories, avoiding wearing something on their face?

The field of AR/VR, headsets, and glasses has a huge potential. However, Apple's abandonment of the AR glasses project seems logical at the moment.

Further improvements to Vision Pro, AirPods, and Apple Watch will eventually help the company realize the dream of AR glasses - it just takes time.

Meta and Snapchat are preparing a revolution in virtual reality.