Are Apple AR glasses canceled?

There were rumors suggesting that Apple is developing augmented reality (AR) glasses. However, recent reports suggest that the company might have canceled the project. Various clues regarding the supposed cancellation of Apple’s AR glasses have emerged in recent weeks, leading to speculation and debate among analysts and fans alike.

The clues of cancellation

In August, well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo announced that Apple’s AR headset project was experiencing delays and that mass production was now expected to begin in late 2023 or early 2024. This gave rise to the possibility that the AR headset might be canceled, despite Kuo stating that he expects the long-rumored Apple VR headset would still launch in 2024.

Recently, an email leak provided by Epic Games showed that Apple had disbanded its AR/VR incubation group, responsible for exploring and developing new AR and VR technologies. This further fueled the speculation of Apple’s AR headset project being scrapped.

Why Apple might cancel AR glasses?

While there are many clues suggesting Apple may be shelving its AR headset project, there is no definitive evidence of the project’s cancellation. It is important to note that Apple is notorious for keeping its product development plans secret, and even if the project is underway, the company might not reveal details or prototypes until much closer to its actual release.

With that said, here are some potential reasons why Apple might cancel its AR glasses project:

• Technological challenges: AR headsets are still a relatively new technology and come with many challenges, including ergonomic design, convincing immersive experiences, and seamless integration with other Apple devices. Given Apple’s high standards and attention to detail, the company might decide to cancel the project if these challenges cannot be effectively addressed.
• Low consumer demand: Given the popularity of iPhones and other Apple devices, the average consumer might not yet be ready for AR glasses as their primary personal device. Apple might determine that the market for AR glasses is too limited or niche for a mass-market product.
• Alternative AR developments: Apple could be exploring alternative AR concepts, such as merging AR with smartphones (such as an AR iPhone with a transparent display), that might prove more feasible and appealing to users than dedicated AR glasses.

The future of AR at Apple

If Apple does cancel its AR glasses project, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the company will cease all research and development efforts into AR and VR technologies.

As mentioned earlier, Apple is rumored to be working on a VR headset that will serve as a precursor to the AR glasses project. According to Kuo, the VR headset will feature augmented reality capabilities on a see-through display and is expected to launch in 2024.

With the increasing popularity of VR and AR technologies, especially in the gaming and entertainment industries, it is unlikely that Apple will abandon the concept of augmented reality entirely. It is important to note that the cancellation of the AR glasses project, if true, is only one milestone in Apple’s ongoing technological journey. The company continues to explore and develop new technologies that can improve and enhance user experiences, be it through current devices or futuristic concepts such as AR glasses.