Apple’s Next Vision: Are Smart Glasses the Future of Wearables?

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Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple just revealed a new initiative, dubbed "Atlas," to evaluate internal and external perspectives on smart glasses. The Atlas project shows Apple's deliberate and conservative approach to product innovation, with focus groups and input gathering in the early stages, suggesting that a full product launch is still a ways off.

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Reportedly, Apple's Atlas initiative focuses on "gathering feedback from Apple employees," and such could feature more formal, structured focus groups if needed. This strategy is consistent with Apple's practice of doing internal testing prior to formally launching new product lines. Apple learns about feature preferences and possible uses for its own version by watching how staff members use rival devices, like Snap's AR Spectacles and Meta's recently released smart glasses.

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While specifics about a potential Apple smart glasses product remain unknown, speculation suggests it could take cues from the AirPods line, integrating audio features into a sleek glasses form. The hypothetical device could combine basic smart elements such as a camera, Siri integration, and speakers for an improved audio wearable experience, almost like an advanced AirPod with even more functionality. This simpler setup could differentiate Apple’s initial product from more advanced, immersive AR (augmented reality) experiences, bridging the gap between audio wearables and full-fledged augmented reality devices.

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Even though Apple's smart glasses are probably years away from market, Vision Pro mixed reality headsets are setting the standard. The Vision Pro remains a niche product, despite the encomium being hurled at its sophisticated features due to its high cost and small range of applications. Reports suggest an upgraded Vision Pro may arrive next year, though a rumoured cheaper version has been delayed internally. For now, Vision Pro remains Apple’s primary mixed-reality offering, with the Atlas initiative providing a potential path toward future wearable devices.

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Pre-orders for Apple Vision Pro have begun in the UAE with the official release date set for November 15. Starting at Dh13,999, the Vision Pro is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options.

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Apple’s preference for caution, coupled with its success in refining and iterating on emerging technologies, suggests that Atlas may represent an incremental step in a larger strategy. Apple can pre-test with a simple, audio-only smart glass and gather feedback from users before launching the fully integrated AR device. Apple continues to indulge in a tradition of carefully timed product launches that set high standards for quality and user experience.

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Apple appears to be happy to watch the market while developing possible design designs in secret for the time being. The Atlas project indicates that Apple is thinking about entering this new market, one step at a time, even though smart glasses may still be years away.

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