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Apple is making a major change behind the scenes as 2027 ambitions grow

A new report reveals changes inside Apple.

By Polina Kovalakova

Published: Aug 21, 2026, 2:22 AM

Apple

AR-VR

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A smiling person is wearing the Apple Vision Pro.

The priority shift is becoming clearer. | Image by PhoneArena

Apple's Vision Pro project was ambitious from day one. It promised to redefine spatial computing, but its eye-watering $3,500 price tag and bulky design led to poor adoption.

Now, Cupertino may be finally reconsidering its VR ambitions, turning to something that's becoming the next big thing in the industry.

Apple's VR team takes a hit

Several reports show there are changes inside Apple. | Image by Fixed Focus Digital (machine translated

According to an August 20 report, Apple has laid off as many as 60 members of its VR team. This doesn't come as a huge surprise, though; word on the street is that the Vision Pro project has been put on the back burner for the time being.

The layoff rumor is further corroborated by Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital, who adds that Cupertino is moving toward AI smart glasses and the development of Siri AI while continuing to refine the Vision Pro.

Although Apple hasn't yet commented on the matter, the rumor has since been reported by several outlets, suggesting it may be more than gossip.

What would make you buy Apple's smart glasses?

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The right step

Global XR headsets and glasses forecast shows VR is losing momentum. | Image by IDC

As I see it, the Apple Vision Pro may have been a necessary product for the development of the visionOS software. Still, industry trends are showing users are moving away from bulky VR headsets, now favoring smart glasses over the traditional VR experience.

This is supported by IDC's AR/VR recent headset market analysis, which shows that smart glasses are already displacing VR products, with adoption projected to surge over the next few years.

That said, Apple may be a bit late to the party. Meta already leads the smart glasses market, while Google's and Samsung's co-developed Galaxy Glasses could soon introduce another major player.

And in case you're looking for more Apple news:

Unusual Apple slip-up reveals camera-equipped AirPods
Check out our review of the Apple Vision Pro for more details
Samsung previews Galaxy Glasses at Unpacked

The next chapter

Reports of Apple developing smart glasses without a display have been popping up for months, with prominent insiders like Mark Gurman claiming the product, codenamed N50, could arrive sometime in 2027.

So far, we know these smart glasses will directly compete with Samsung's Galaxy Glasses and Meta's smart glasses. However, Cupertino is expected to give Siri "eyes" much sooner than next year.

According to multiple reports, the company is preparing camera-equipped AirPods that allow Siri to see and understand your surroundings, giving you more relevant answers.

Apple is finally coming to its senses

Let's see what comes next now. | Image by PhoneArena

If you ask me, Apple shouldn't have gone for a VR headset in the first place. Had the company focused its ambitions on smart glasses from the beginning, I seriously doubt Meta's smart glasses would be leading the market today.

Regardless, once Apple releases its own version of display-free AI eyewear, I expect the consumer response to be far more positive than what we saw with the Apple Vision Pro.

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Polina Kovalakova, a News and Affiliate Content Writer, has nurtured a passion for mobile technology since the era before smartphones. With a history of exploring a variety of devices, her insights into the mobile world are both broad and nuanced. Polina's non-partisan view extends to appreciating nearly every smartphone brand, a reflection of her open-minded approach to technology. Polina is equally passionate about uncovering the best online deals, tirelessly working to ensure her readers snag top-tier tech at unbeatable prices.

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