This week, Bloomberg reported that Apple is dropping the development of Mac-ready AR smart glasses. The report follows internal research into an XR device that could sit next to the Vision Pro headset.
Seemingly, the Apple AR smart glasses device would work alongside and tether to Mac hardware, indicating that computing power would be shared between devices, unlike the Vision Pro’s standalone design. Moreover, rumours suggested that the AR smart glasses product would link to an iOS mobile device.
Details are slim regarding Apple’s pullback from AR smart glasses development. However, it appears that the firm will retain focus on Vision Pro following a positive showing at CES. Ideally, the following steps will drag Vision Pro back into the public’s eye following moments of silence regarding the MR device now that Apple is not moving forward with an alternative AR headset.
The recent developments came after Apple internally researched the prospects of AR smart glasses late last year.
Then, Apple reportedly researched a project named “Atlas,” which aimed to gather feedback from employees and competitors regarding AR smart glasses.
Vision Pro Success at CES ’25
At CES 2025, NVIDIA took centre stage to showcase its latest innovations in emerging technologies, particularly highlighting its investments in robotics and artificial intelligence. These two areas are closely intertwined for NVIDIA, as the company researches robotics and self-driving cars while also developing an AI framework to power this next generation of technology.
Notably, NVIDIA’s official press releases about its robotics updates featured Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset in various promotions, emphasizing its crucial role in NVIDIA’s journey. Last year, during the NVIDIA GTC conference, the company explicitly stated that the Vision Pro would increasingly contribute to its leading research into emerging workplace tools, with the Apple device becoming more integrated with the Omniverse platform.
Reports from this year’s CES indicate that the Vision Pro plays a significant role in the success of NVIDIA’s recent announcements. For instance, at the event, NVIDIA unveiled Isaac GROOT, an AI framework designed to enhance humanoid robotics specifically for the industrial and manufacturing sectors that work alongside Apple’s XR device.
NVIDIA utilizes Apple Vision Pro devices within its Omniverse workflows to capture human movements as 3D spatial data, creating a digital twin that robots can replicate in simulations or real-life scenarios. Combining Omniverse, Apple Vision Pro, and NVIDIA’s broader developer ecosystem, it integrates hardware and software to forge the future of work and robotics. XR technology plays a vital role in capturing essential data for this advancement.
In addition to its work to secure the future of workplace robotics—partially thanks to XR—NVIDIA also introduced the new “Omniverse Spatial Streaming to Apple Vision Pro” at CES 2025. This initiative supports developers in creating applications for the immersive streaming of large-scale industrial digital twins.
At CES, Innoactive announced a new product partnership with Apple and NVIDIA to launch a streaming service that connects Omniverse and Apple Vision Pro. This collaboration enables NVIDIA Omniverse developers to stream their Universal Scene Description (OpenUSD) workflows directly to an Apple Vision Pro headset. NVIDIA spatial streaming for Omniverse furthers immersive advancements in streaming technology, allowing headsets to display high-quality 3D models and experiences.
So, while direct news on Vision Pro is small, background moves are appearing to highlight Apple’s work in the XR market, painting an encouraging picture of the Vision Pro’s future, notably in enterprise settings.
The device is still new, so Apple is learning and applying lessons to optimize the product for its target audiences. With WWDC coming up soon, Apple will most likely introduce new details regarding its immersive product portfolio.
Moreover, with Samsung entering the market this year with a product mirroring the Vision Pro, Apple may be keen to regain its grip on headlines.