Apple Remains Committed To The Sadallone AR Glasses Even Though The Tethered Version Is Canceled

Illustration of Apple Vision pro augmented reality glasses (photo: x @NEWVIEW_PROJECT)

JAKARTA - Apple remains committed to presenting standalone Augmented Reality (AR) glasses despite recently canceling the AR glasses project connected to Mac. The latest report from Mark Gurman, a Bloomberg journalist, reveals that although the AR tethered glasses project was stopped, Apple's vision for self-sufficient AR glasses is still ongoing, although it will take longer to realize.

Last month, Apple decided to stop developing AR glasses designed to connect with the Mac. According to sources familiar with this policy, the glasses will have a look like regular glasses, but with a built-in screen that requires a connection to the Mac to be used. Apple itself declined to comment on this decision.

Although this news sounds disappointing to some, it actually only has an impact on the tethered version of Apple's AR glasses. This product was originally thought to have a similar concept to RayNeo Air 2S, but with a much higher quality and price. However, Apple seems to be focusing on developing more sophisticated standalone AR glasses and can stand alone without requiring additional devices.

According to Gurman, Apple's Head of Hardware Division, John Ternus, does not want to launch a product that has the potential to fail on the market. Therefore, Apple chose to take longer time developing standalone AR glasses that are really ready for use. These glasses will likely resemble the prototype for the price of $10.000 (IDR 163 million) introduced by Meta last year.

Currently, Apple is still developing the various core technologies needed to realize these standalone AR glasses. Technology such as advanced screens and special chips are being developed by Vision Products Group, the division that handles Apple's AR devices. Gurman mentioned that Apple's long-term goal to bring independent AR glasses remains intact and continues to run although there is no certainty when this device will be released.

Although Apple continues to work on developing standalone AR glasses, this device is estimated to still take about 3 to 5 years before it is ready to roll out to the market. Apple's visionOS operating system is expected to be the main foundation for this device.

With a more careful approach and more mature technology development, Apple is expected to present a truly revolutionary AR device in the future. Apple fans now have to be patient waiting for further developments on this ambitious project.