Apple’s AR Smart Glasses Are At Least Five Years Away Due to Strict Requirements for a Seamless Experience

Apple’s long-term goal to develop AR smart glasses that deliver a comfortable, immersive experience is progressing, but don’t expect them any time soon. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s standards for a wearable AR experience are extremely high, with the company likely needing five more years to achieve a product that meets its quality requirements.

Apple envisions a product that delivers the functionality of its Vision Pro headset but in the lightweight, all-day wearable form of smart glasses. The tech giant has reportedly begun on-campus focus groups to gauge feedback on the current market’s offerings, following a similar process used for products like AirPods, HomePod, and Apple Vision Pro. This approach aims to refine Apple’s AR vision and explore how it might overcome the limitations of current technology.

Gurman notes that, while companies like Meta and Snap have already introduced prototypes of AR glasses, these devices still lack polish. Apple’s approach differs: rather than rushing to market, the company intends to deliver a product that provides a truly seamless experience. This dedication to quality often means Apple enters new categories late but with products that shape future standards.

For now, it’s likely that Apple may first release smart glasses that function in tandem with an iPhone, reducing processing demands on the glasses themselves. However, the ultimate goal is a standalone device. Achieving this vision will require breakthroughs in power efficiency, such as a chipset as powerful as the A18 Pro but using only 10% of the power—a feat that will likely take years and advanced manufacturing processes to achieve.

While the wait may be long, Apple’s approach could ultimately lead to a breakthrough product, setting a new benchmark in the AR space. Until then, Apple enthusiasts and AR tech followers will have to remain patient as the industry develops the technology needed to meet Apple’s ambitious goals.

Stay tuned to Duck-IT Tech News for updates on Apple’s progress in the AR wearables market and the latest advancements in augmented reality technology.