The Apple is still working on smart glasses and is on track to release a cheaper version of Apple Vision

Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter reveals that Apple’s Vision team is actively exploring several new products following the debut of the Apple Vision Pro earlier this year. Among these potential innovations are a more affordable Apple Vision headset, a next-generation version of the Apple Vision Pro, and a new iteration of Smart Glasses.

The Apple Vision Pro was introduced at last year’s WWDC and started shipping in February 2024. Despite the initial excitement, interest waned due to its steep price of $3499, which deterred many potential buyers despite its advanced features.

Nonetheless, Apple remains undeterred. Gurman reports that the company plans to launch a less expensive version of the Apple Vision headset, possibly as soon as next year. There’s also ongoing development on a second generation of the Apple Vision Pro, though the release schedule remains uncertain.

The specifics of how Apple will reduce the cost of this new model are still unclear, and Gurman expresses skepticism about whether a lower-priced option will significantly boost the popularity of Apple’s Vision headsets. The market for these devices has yet to captivate a broad audience, and if the price of the cheaper model remains above $1500, the Vision headsets might continue to appeal to a niche market.

In addition to the new headsets, Gurman indicates that Apple is also working on Smart Glasses that lack displays, similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. This idea was first reported in February, and Apple appears committed to it. However, the concept of developing true augmented reality glasses has been put on hold due to technical challenges, suggesting that a fully realized “Apple Glass” may be some time away.

Currently, Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses offer a compelling experience by allowing users to capture photos and videos, interact with a voice assistant, and access Meta AI for real-time information, all while being lightweight and priced around $329. It would be intriguing to see Apple introduce a similar product in the future.