Apple Delays Next Vision Pro Release Until 2028, Shifts Focus to Smart Glasses and AI Wearables

• May 12, 2026

Apple’s highly anticipated successor to its Vision Pro augmented reality headset, which carries a price tag of $3,499, will not arrive until at least 2028. This delay comes as the company reallocates a significant portion of the team that was focused on mixed reality to the development of smart glasses and wearable devices powered by artificial intelligence.

Strategic Shift in Priorities

The Vision Pro marked Apple’s entry into the mixed reality market, blending augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) features within a premium headset. However, the extensive resources dedicated to this project are now being diverted as the company recalibrates its strategy to focus on more compact, AI-enabled wearables such as smart glasses.

According to insiders, the decision reflects a broader trend within the tech giant to prioritize products that integrate AI capabilities more seamlessly into everyday wearable devices. This pivot suggests that Apple is betting on the future of consumer technology to revolve around intelligent wearables that offer practical AI functions, rather than solely immersive mixed reality experiences.

While the Vision Pro remains a significant technological achievement, its high cost and form factor may have influenced Apple’s move to pause immediate development of its next iteration. Instead, the company is reportedly channeling innovation efforts into devices that will potentially be more user-friendly and accessible, embedding AI features to enhance usability and interaction.

Details regarding the new smart glasses or AI wearables are yet to be disclosed, including their design, features, or release windows. Industry analysts anticipate that this strategic adjustment could position Apple to better compete in the rapidly evolving landscape of wearable technology, where competitors are increasingly integrating AI functionalities.

For now, consumers and enthusiasts interested in Apple’s AR hardware will have to wait longer for an updated Vision Pro headset, as the company focuses on expanding its ecosystem through smart and intelligent wearable devices.

Apple has postponed the release of the next Vision Pro AR headset to 2028, redirecting efforts toward smart glasses and AI-powered wearable devices.