Apple's Mac-Compatible Glasses Project N107 Reportedly Abandoned

Apple's ambitious plans for a new type of computer glasses, originally intended to connect with Macs, appear to have come to an abrupt halt. The project, known internally as N107, was part of Apple's broader vision to innovate in the augmented reality (AR) space following the launch of the Vision Pro headset.

According to reports, Apple has decided to discontinue the N107 project, which aimed to leverage the processing power of Mac computers in a wearable format. The company is now shifting its focus back to developing a standalone AR device, although this endeavor could take several years to materialize.

Initially, Apple explored the idea of pairing the glasses with iPhones to utilize the advanced capabilities of Apple's silicon chips. However, technical challenges arose, particularly concerning performance limitations and battery life, which prompted a transition to a Mac-connected model.

Despite this shift, the N107 prototype reportedly underperformed during internal demonstrations, leading to concerns within the Vision Products Group (VPG) about the project's viability. The VPG has faced criticism regarding its clarity of direction, with leadership under Mike Rockwell and hardware chief John Ternus. This lack of cohesion has reportedly impacted team morale, as N107 marks yet another setback in Apple's quest to establish a successful AR headset.

The N107 prototype featured advanced projection technology designed to overlay data onto the user's field of vision, similar to Meta's Project Orion. Although it included innovative microLED displays developed by Apple, integrating sufficient computational power into a lightweight design proved problematic. The glasses were designed to be so light that traditional headbands would not be necessary, but the project ultimately fell short of expectations.

In place of the previously proposed EyeSight feature--a technology intended to display information on an external screen--the N107 was designed to alter lens tint to communicate different modes to the outside world. There is still an ongoing initiative, labeled N109, which aims to develop a more cost-effective version of the Vision Pro headset.

As Apple continues to refine its vision for AR technology, the company is reportedly also working on an updated version of the Vision Pro headset, aiming to enhance its current offering before pursuing a full-fledged computer glasses model.