Apple Exploring iPhone-Connected Smart Glasses, Rumor Says
- A new kind of wearable could be coming from Apple, and it's built to pair with your iPhone.
- Rumors hint that Apple’s AR future could be lighter, cheaper, and closer than we think.
- Forget the $3,500 Vision Pro—Apple’s iPhone-connected glasses might be the next big thing in AR.
The tech world is buzzing with speculation surrounding Apple's next move in augmented reality (AR). While the Vision Pro headset, introduced earlier this year at a formidable $3,500 price point, has set the stage for Apple's ambitious AR endeavors, new insights suggest the company is eyeing a more accessible, iPhone-connected pair of smart glasses.
Photo via PhoneArena // A conceptual render of Apple’s rumored iPhone-connected augmented reality (AR) glasses.
A Vision That Goes Beyond Pro
The original Apple Vision Pro, powered by the M2 chip, marked a significant step in spatial computing for Apple. Now, reports from reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicate a 2025 release for an upgraded version of Apple Vision Pro featuring the M5 chip. However, while the Vision Pro’s successor is captivating attention, it's Apple’s potential entry into a more budget-friendly device that has industry insiders talking.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is "seriously considering" developing lightweight AR glasses that would offload computational tasks to a paired iPhone. This move could make immersive technology more attainable for a broader audience, presenting a product with practical, everyday use at a more palatable price point.
"I continue to hear that Apple is seriously considering a device that offloads the computing components to an iPhone and serves as an accessory for watching movies," Gurman noted in his latest Power On newsletter. Such a device would mimic offerings from competitors like Xreal, which have already tested the waters with phone-connected AR glasses.
Photo via Andrea Copellino // Could lightweight, iPhone-paired smart glasses be Apple’s next big move?
Why iPhone-Connected Glasses Could Be a Smart Move
If Apple were to launch iPhone-connected glasses, it would strategically leverage its existing ecosystem. This would mirror the initial rollout of the Apple Watch, which heavily relied on the iPhone for full functionality. The iPhone-connected AR glasses could become a compelling accessory, reinforcing the iPhone's role as the nucleus of Apple's product line and ecosystem.
By shifting the processing burden to the iPhone, Apple could design a lighter, more comfortable headset that emphasizes displays and battery efficiency—two critical areas that have challenged the Vision Pro.
The Competitive Edge and Market Potential
Unlike the Vision Pro, positioned for early adopters and professionals willing to pay a premium, iPhone-connected glasses would appeal to a much larger market. The rumored device could be marketed as a casual, daily-use accessory, offering features like media viewing, screen mirroring, and integration with Siri. Such an approach would align with Apple's long-term strategy of fostering seamless integration across devices, from iPhones and iPads to AirPods and Macs.
Gurman hinted that the glasses would be “a much more popular option than the $3,500 Vision Pro,” especially for those intrigued by AR but deterred by the high cost of entry. This step could open doors to AR experiences without demanding the significant investment associated with standalone headsets.
Photo via Cult of Mac // A peek at the possible future of augmented reality: Apple’s iPhone-integrated AR glasses.
The Challenges and Uncertainties
While the rumors are tantalizing, skepticism remains. Gurman himself acknowledges that many projects of this nature often face technical challenges that lead to delays or cancellations. The delicate balance of offering a compelling AR experience while maintaining practicality and cost-efficiency is no easy task. Apple’s track record, however, shows that when it commits to redefining a market, it often succeeds.
The Road Ahead
As Apple explores both high-end and more accessible AR options, it signals that the company is determined to shape the future of mixed reality on its terms. Whether or not these iPhone-connected glasses come to fruition, the mere possibility showcases Apple's commitment to innovation beyond conventional boundaries.
For now, tech enthusiasts and industry watchers will have to wait to see if Apple can turn this vision into reality. Until then, the allure of a product that seamlessly integrates the power of an iPhone with wearable AR remains a tantalizing prospect.
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