Apple Delays AI Smart Glasses and Pivots Away From Vision Pro

Apple Inc. has delayed the launch of its first AI-powered smart glasses, codenamed N50, to late 2027. Originally expected in 2026, the shift stems from development challenges with the revamped Siri and Apple Intelligence, which serve as the device's central interaction layer. The glasses will omit a display, instead utilizing cameras and microphones to target a mass-market price point between $200 and $500.

This delay coincides with a strategic pivot away from immersive headsets. Incoming CEO John Ternus, who succeeds Tim Cook on September 1, 2026, has signed off on a revised roadmap that prioritizes lightweight AI wearables over the Vision Pro line. Reports indicate that Apple has deprioritized or scrapped a cheaper, lighter successor to the Vision Pro—previously dubbed Vision Air—to redirect engineering resources toward the N50 project. While some reports suggest a Vision Pro 2 remains in testing, other sources indicate the headset category is currently on ice.

The company's long-term vision now centers on two primary tracks: the display-less AI glasses in 2027 and display-equipped augmented reality glasses slated for 2029. In the interim, leaked images suggest Apple may release a black colorway for the existing Vision Pro. These strategic shifts and delays contributed to a 1.84% dip in Apple's stock price as investors monitor the company's ability to compete with Meta's established AI eyewear market.