Apple Scraps Vision Air Headset, Pivots All Resources to AI Smart Glasses

Apple has reportedly paused development on the rumored "Vision Air" — a lighter, more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset — to redirect engineering resources toward AI-first smart glasses, according to multiple reports citing people familiar with Apple's plans.

What Happened

• The Vision Air was expected to be over 40% lighter than the current Vision Pro, with an aluminum body and titanium internals
• It would have been tethered to an iPhone or Mac for processing
• Reports now indicate Apple has moved engineers from the headset team to the glasses team
• No new Apple head-mounted displays are expected in 2026

Why Apple Made This Move

Vision Pro sales have been disappointing — IDC reported that combined Apple and Meta VR headset shipments dropped in 2025. Meanwhile, smart glasses shipments grew 211% in the same period. Apple is chasing the growth market, not doubling down on a struggling one.

What This Means for Buyers

If you were waiting for a cheaper Apple headset, that wait just got significantly longer. The Vision Pro remains the only option in Apple's lineup at $3,499. The Samsung Galaxy XR at $1,599 on eBay is the strongest alternative. And for smart glasses specifically, the Ray-Ban Meta and upcoming Samsung Galaxy Glasses are your best bets right now.