Apple has reportedly scrapped its enterprising plans to develop augmented reality glasses connected to its Mac computers, marking another setback in its push to dominate the AR space. The project, internally known as N107, was officially canceled this week after months of internal reviews and design reconfigurations, according to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter.
The envisioned product aimed to resemble everyday glasses but with built-in displays, requiring a connection to a Mac for processing power. This approach was seen as a potential rebound strategy following the lukewarm reception of the Apple Vision Pro,a $3,499 AR headset criticized for being to cumbersome and expensive for mainstream adoption. However,the Mac-connected glasses failed to impress executives during internal reviews,leading to the project’s termination.
initially, Apple had explored pairing the glasses with the iPhone but encountered limitations due to the smartphone’s processing capabilities.The company then shifted its focus to Mac computers, leveraging their faster processors and larger batteries. Despite this pivot, the design failed to meet expectations, ultimately sealing its fate.This decision leaves Apple at risk of falling behind competitors like Meta, which already offers Ray-ban smart glasses and is reportedly developing an AR-enabled version. The cancellation also underscores Apple’s recent struggles in bringing innovative hardware to market, following its decision last year to abandon its self-driving car project.
In November, Apple hinted at potential challenges with its new product lines in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, stating, “New products, services and technologies may replace or supersede existing offerings and may produce lower revenues and lower profit margins, which can materially adversely impact the company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.”
The AR glasses project’s cancellation highlights the complexities of developing cutting-edge technology that balances functionality, affordability, and user appeal. As Apple steps back from this endeavor, the broader XR landscape continues to evolve, with implications for industries ranging from entertainment to payments.
Key Details of Apple’s AR Glasses Project
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Project Name | N107 |
| Initial goal | AR glasses paired with iPhone |
| Revised Goal | AR glasses connected to Mac |
| Reason for Cancellation | Poor performance in internal reviews |
| Competitor | Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses |
| Previous Setback | Apple Vision Pro’s lukewarm reception |
Apple’s decision to halt the AR glasses project raises questions about its future in the AR/VR space. Will the company pivot to new innovations, or will it double down on refining existing products like the Apple Vision Pro? Only time will tell. For now, the tech giant’s focus remains on navigating the challenges of bringing groundbreaking technology to the masses.
The Future of Payments in Extended Reality: A Game-Changer for Industries
As extended reality (XR) technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) continue to evolve, industries such as gaming, eCommerce, healthcare, and education are poised for transformative growth. However, this evolution demands more than just immersive experiences—it requires seamless and innovative payment solutions to match the promise of these technologies.
According to a recent report, “As XR grows, payments are likely to no longer be a mere utility but a critical enabler of its success.” The study emphasizes that by addressing the unique needs of immersive environments, payment providers can unlock new business models, build trust with users, and redefine the boundaries of commerce in virtual and augmented realities.
The Role of Payments in XR’s Expansion
The integration of XR technologies into everyday life is no longer a distant dream. From smart glasses to wearables like Apple’s Vision Pro, these devices are reshaping how we interact with the digital world. But for XR to truly thrive, the connected economy must adapt.
As an example, in gaming, players are increasingly engaging in virtual economies where in-game purchases and microtransactions are commonplace.Similarly, in eCommerce, AR-powered virtual try-ons and immersive shopping experiences are becoming the norm. These scenarios demand payment systems that are not only secure but also frictionless and intuitive.
Industries Leading the Charge
| Industry | XR Submission | Payment Needs |
|———————|——————————————–|———————————————–|
| Gaming | Virtual economies, in-game purchases | Microtransactions, seamless integration |
| eCommerce | AR try-ons, immersive shopping | instant payments, secure transactions |
| Healthcare | AR-assisted surgeries, virtual consultations| Subscription models, secure data handling |
| Education | Virtual classrooms, interactive learning | Subscription-based access, one-time payments |
The Vision for the Future
The report highlights that payment providers must innovate to meet the demands of these immersive environments. “By addressing the unique needs of immersive environments, payment providers can enable new business models, build trust with users, and redefine the boundaries of commerce in virtual and augmented realities.”
For example, apple has already made strides in this direction with its Apple Pay system, which could be integrated into its Vision Pro and other connected devices. Similarly, smart glasses and wearables could leverage biometric authentication for secure and instant payments.
What’s Next?
as technology continues to advance, the connected economy will rely heavily on payment solutions that are as innovative as the devices they support. Whether it’s through augmented reality, smart glasses, or wearables, the future of payments in XR is not just about transactions—it’s about creating seamless, immersive experiences that redefine commerce.
For more insights into the latest trends in technology and the connected economy, explore our coverage of Apple products, iPhone, and PYMNTS News.
what are your thoughts on the future of payments in XR? Share your insights in the comments below!
Interview: The Future of Payments in Extended Reality
Editor: apple recently halted its AR glasses project. How do you think this decision impacts the broader XR industry, particularly in terms of payment innovation?
Guest: apple’s decision to halt the AR glasses project is certainly critically important, especially considering their influence in the tech world. While it may seem like a setback, it could also be an chance for apple to refine its strategy. The XR industry, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), is still evolving. Payment solutions will play a critical role in ensuring these technologies are seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Apple’s focus on refining products like the Apple Vision Pro suggests they’re still committed to this space, wich could lead to innovative payment systems tailored to immersive environments.
Editor: How can payment providers address the unique needs of immersive environments in industries like gaming and eCommerce?
Guest: In industries like gaming and eCommerce, the demand for frictionless and secure payment systems is paramount. As an exmaple, in gaming, virtual economies thrive on microtransactions and in-game purchases. Payment providers need to ensure these transactions are seamless and integrated into the user experience. Similarly, in eCommerce, AR-powered virtual try-ons and immersive shopping experiences require instant and secure payment solutions.By leveraging technologies like biometric authentication, providers can create intuitive systems that enhance user trust and engagement.
Editor: What role do you see for wearables like the Apple Vision Pro in the future of payments?
Guest: Wearables like the Apple Vision Pro have immense potential to reshape payment systems. These devices can leverage biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, to enable secure and instant payments. Imagine walking into a store,trying on a product virtually using AR,and completing the purchase seamlessly through your wearable. This level of integration could redefine the shopping experience and set new standards for convenience and security in the connected economy.
Editor: How do you think subscription models will evolve in XR-driven industries like healthcare and education?
Guest: Subscription models are already gaining traction in industries like healthcare and education, and XR will only accelerate this trend. In healthcare, AR-assisted surgeries and virtual consultations could be offered through subscription-based services, providing consistent and reliable access to cutting-edge treatments. Similarly,in education,virtual classrooms and interactive learning platforms can adopt subscription models to ensure continuous access to resources. These models not only provide predictable revenue streams but also enhance user engagement by offering tailored experiences.
Editor: What’s your vision for the future of payments in XR?
Guest: The future of payments in XR is about creating seamless, immersive experiences that go beyond conventional transactions. As extended reality (XR) technologies like smart glasses and wearables become more integrated into our lives, payment systems will need to evolve to meet the unique demands of these environments. This means leveraging innovations like biometric authentication, instant payments, and secure data handling to build trust and redefine commerce. ultimately, the success of XR will depend on payment solutions that are as innovative as the technologies they support.
Editor: Any final thoughts on how businesses can prepare for this shift?
Guest: Businesses need to start thinking about how they can integrate XR and payment innovations into their strategies. Weather it’s through adopting AR for virtual try-ons in eCommerce or leveraging VR for immersive training in healthcare, the key is to focus on delivering value to users. Partnering with forward-thinking payment providers and investing in secure, frictionless payment systems will be crucial. The future of XR is not just about technology—it’s about creating experiences that transform industries and redefine how we interact with the digital world.
Conclusion
The future of payments in extended reality promises to revolutionize industries like gaming, eCommerce, healthcare, and education. By addressing the unique needs of immersive environments, businesses and payment providers can unlock new opportunities, build trust with users, and create seamless experiences that redefine commerce.As XR technologies continue to evolve, the focus will be on integrating innovative payment solutions that enhance user engagement and drive growth in the connected economy.
