Apple kills off Vision Air, slims down glasses projects

Key Points:

• Apple is reportedly scaling back its head-mounted hardware plans, with the Vision Air and Display glasses projects canceled under incoming CEO John Ternus's direction.
• Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo confirmed that Apple’s original headset and glasses roadmap has been pruned to just two smart glasses models: AI glasses expected in 2027 and full AR smartglasses (Apple Glass) anticipated by the decade's end.
• The Vision Air, a cheaper and lighter version of the Vision Pro, was canceled in October 2025 to allow Apple to focus resources on smart glasses, which have greater mass-market potential due to lower price points.
• Despite these cutbacks, a follow-up to the Apple Vision Pro is reportedly in testing, though the overall headset category is currently "on ice," reflecting challenges such as limited sales and lack of killer apps.
• Apple continues exploring alternative wearable AI devices beyond headsets, including AirPods Pro with built-in cameras and potential AI pendants or pins, aiming to deliver AI experiences without relying solely on headset or smart glasses form factors.