Samsung Halts Affordable Apple Vision Project as 2026 Smart Glasses Await Reveal

It seems we won’t be seeing the comparatively cheap Apple Vision mixed reality headset anytime soon. At least not in the coming years. As it has become known, Samsung, which was developing special displays for such a device, has stopped work on this project.

Samsung was developing a G-VR screen for Apple on a glass substrate, which would be significantly cheaper than what Apple uses in the current version of the Vision Pro. Now, however, the development has ceased, apparently at Apple’s initiative. It was previously rumored that the company abandoned plans to release an affordable headset to focus on smart glasses. This decision aligns with the broader industry trend towards greater integration of augmented reality (AR) features into everyday devices, and is also echoing the moves of competitors who are aggressively innovating in AR technologies.

Expected to appear as soon as 2026, Apple’s first smart glasses model will not feature an augmented reality display, which is anticipated in a subsequent version planned for 2027. Recent technological patents and strategic acquisitions by Apple suggest they are investing heavily in augmented reality components, possibly incorporating them in other parts of their consumer electronics ecosystem.

As Apple and Samsung recalibrate their strategies, other major players in the market are advancing. Meta is continually improving its Meta Quest line, offering increased functionality at consumer-friendly prices, and Google’s acquisition of Raxium aims at developing advanced microLED displays, which could accelerate their own AR projects. Despite the shift in plans, industry analysts indicate that Apple’s move to focus on smart glasses could potentially lead to a greater integration of AR in everyday life, setting a new standard for wearable technology.