Apple is reportedly facing internal turmoil regarding the future of the Vision Pro as Meta prepares to launch lighter VR glasses next spring. while CEO Tim Cook remains publicly optimistic about the device's trajectory, reports suggest a significant internal shift toward less bulky smart glasses.
Meta's Spring Launch and the Weight Problem
Meta is planning to release lightweight VR glasses next spring , a move that directly threatens the market position of the Apple Vision Pro. As Gizmodo reported, these upcoming glasses feature a greatly reduced puck to ease the burden on the user's hip and a chassis that does not weigh down the face as much as previous headsets.. This design shift targets the primary barrier to VR adoption: the cumbersome nature of existing hardware.
This development reflects a broader industry trend where the pursuit of "spatial computing" is colliding with the reality of human ergonomics. While Apple positioned the Vision Pro as a high-end powerhouse, the market is signaling a preference for wearable practicality. the tech industry's obsession with "killing the smartphone" may be premature, as the current struggle is less about replacing the phone and more about finding a form factor that users can actually tolerate for hours at a time.
The N224 Debate and the Next Presidential Administration
Inside Apple, the follow-up to the Vision Pro—internally codenamed N224—has become a flashpoint for corporate disagreement. According to reports from Mark Gurman, the N224 is the subject of such intense internal debate that it may never be released to the public. If the project survives, Gurman suggests it likely would not be available until roughly the start of the next presidential administration.
A central point of contention for the N224 is the potential introduction of a "puck" to house non-battery components. This would represent a major philosophical retreat for Apple, which has previously committed to integrating these components directly into the headset. Some engineers within Apple are reportedly dead-set against this compromise, fearing it would undermine the product's premium identity .
From John Ternus to Johny Srouji
The perceived decline of the Vision Pro's internal status is tied to a shift in Apple's leadership hierarchy. Gurman notes that the Vision Pro team previously operated under John Ternus; however, with Ternus now serving as CEO and Johny Srouji acting as Chief Hardware Officer, the project's standing has reportedly shifted. This "Kremlinology" suggests that the project may no longer hold the same priority it once did within the executive suite.
To hedge its bets, Apple is reportedly shifting focus toward a separate smart glasses product. This device would possess less computing firepower than the Vision Pro but would offer significantly less bulk, aligning Apple more closely with Meta's strategy of prioritizing comfort and daily wearability over high-end processing.
Tim Cook's 'Early Days' Defense and the Surgeon Use-Case
Despite the reports of internal strife, Apple CEO Tim Cook has publicly defended the Vision Pro, comparing its current state to the "early days of computers." Cook has emphasized that the device is at the start of a "long journey" and specifically noted that surgeons have found the technology useful in professional settings.
However, this public optimism leaves several critical questions unanswered. It remains unclear if the "life support" status of the Vision Pro is a formmal strategic pivot or merely a reflection of internal friction. Furthermore, the source does not clarify whether the reported shift toward smart glasses is intended to complement the Vision Pro line or eventually replace it entirely.
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