# Apple Allegedly Abandoned AR Glasses Prototype: What Occurred and Its Implications for the Sector
In an unexpected development, Apple has allegedly put a stop to its efforts to create a set of augmented reality (AR) glasses designed to connect with a Mac computer. These glasses, regarded internally as a “lite” variant of the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset, did not meet the company’s elevated expectations due to various performance concerns and changing design specifications. This move comes as part of Apple’s wider initiative in the extended reality (XR) realm, which includes AR, virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR).
## Reasons for the Cancellation of AR Glasses
As per a report from *Bloomberg*, Apple’s AR glasses encountered multiple technical and conceptual obstacles throughout their development. They were initially conceived to link with an iPhone, but were subsequently revised to function with a Mac after realizing that the iPhone’s battery was excessively drained and lacked the necessary processing power. Despite these modifications, the product reportedly failed to satisfy Apple executives, who pointed to ongoing performance challenges and insufficient differentiation from existing market products.
A significant feature in consideration was an electrochromic film capable of altering the tint of the glasses to either reveal the user’s eyes or conceal them, indicating whether the wearer was actively involved. However, this sole feature was not adequate to warrant the product’s creation, especially given the requirement for a Mac connection, limiting its portability and attractiveness.
## The Wider Landscape: Apple Vision Pro and XR Challenges
The announcement regarding the AR glasses’ cancellation coincides with the one-year anniversary of the Apple Vision Pro, Apple’s premium mixed reality headset. Despite its revolutionary technology, the Vision Pro has struggled to capture consumer interest, predominantly due to its hefty $3,500 price. Critics have highlighted Apple’s struggles in the XR domain as symbolic of broader challenges within the industry, with some questioning the feasibility of XR as a consumer category.
Nevertheless, such doubts might be premature. While Apple’s choice to withdraw the AR glasses emphasizes the obstacles in crafting a captivating and efficient AR product, it does not signify the end of innovation within this area. In fact, the market for smart glasses and wearable displays is expanding, with numerous companies making progress towards practical and economical solutions.
## The Case for Wearable Displays
Wearable displays, such as smart glasses, address tangible issues users encounter. For example, devices like the Xreal One and Viture Pro glasses enable users to project expansive virtual screens ahead, making them perfect for activities like gaming, viewing videos, or working remotely. These glasses can mitigate ergonomic problems, such as neck and back discomfort, by removing the necessity to lean over a laptop or hold a phone for extended durations.
Apple’s AR glasses might have tapped into this rising demand for wearable displays. However, the company seemingly faced challenges in distinguishing its product from what’s currently available. Although Apple’s glasses may have been sleeker or included distinct features like the electrochromic film, these benefits were insufficient to justify their development, particularly given the technical challenges faced.
## The Significance of Field of View (FoV)
A potential drawback of Apple’s AR glasses could have been their field of view (FoV), an essential element for creating an immersive and practical AR experience. Presently, smart glasses like the Xreal One offer a 50-degree FoV, with the new Xreal One Pro slated to expand this to 57 degrees. In contrast, Meta’s Orion glasses showcase a 70-degree FoV, while the Apple Vision Pro presents a remarkable 90 degrees.
Had Apple’s AR glasses not provided a sufficiently wide FoV, they may have struggled to duplicate the Vision Pro’s standout feature: the capability to establish studio-quality virtual displays. This limitation could have been a deciding factor in Apple’s choice to terminate the project.
## The Prospects for AR and Smart Glasses
While Apple’s cancellation of its AR glasses prototype is a disappointment, it does not signify the demise of AR or smart glasses as a category. Enterprises like Xreal, Viture, and Meta are persistently innovating, presenting products that meet specific use cases and consumer demands. For instance, the Xreal One glasses come equipped with built-in chips that support native 3DoF (three degrees of freedom) and can connect to devices via USB-C, enhancing their versatility and user-friendliness.
Apple’s choice may also demonstrate its dedication to providing only the finest quality products, even at the cost of postponing or canceling endeavors that do not align with its standards. This strategy guarantees that when Apple does unveil an AR product, it is likely to establish a new industry benchmark.
## In Summary
Apple’s suspected cancellation of its AR glasses prototype highlights the hurdles of developing advanced technology in the XR landscape. While the decision emphasizes the challenges of producing an engaging and efficient AR product, it also serves as a reminder of the opportunities for innovation.
