Apple is weighing major shifts for its virtual reality strategy after Meta unveiled lightweight VR glasses that weigh roughly 100 grams and shift computing power to an external module. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is exploring a redesigned headset mirroring this external-puck philosophy, codenamed N224, though the project is facing internal resistance from senior executives and is unlikely to ship before late 2028.
Meta’s 100-Gram Design Sparks Strategic Shift at Apple
Meta’s unveiled headset, scheduled for a spring 2027 release at $1,299, weighs about 100 grams—roughly a fifth of Meta’s own Quest 3 and a small fraction of the Apple Vision Pro. The device achieves this lightweight profile by moving heavy components off the face, placing the processor and battery into a separate module that clips onto clothing and connects via cable. Gurman reported in his Power On newsletter that Meta’s glasses represent what Apple’s headset should have been from the start.
When Apple launched the Vision Pro in February 2024 at a starting price of $3,499, the device drew praise for its displays and eye-and-hand controls. However, it faced widespread criticism for weighing up to 800 grams depending on the headband, carrying an exorbitant price tag, and offering a limited set of use cases beyond watching videos. Apple anticipated these ergonomic hurdles early in development by briefly considering an external home computing device, but the team rejected the idea in favor of an all-in-one build.
Shelved Apple Projects and Internal Division
Internal pushback has repeatedly stalled Apple’s attempts to fix the Vision Pro’s hardware flaws. Gurman reports that Apple has already shelved at least three distinct projects aimed at lightening the load:
- N107: A headset designed to offload computing tasks to a Mac or another external device.
- N100: A “Vision Air” model intended to shift more components into an external pack.
- N109: A lighter, more affordable model powered by a less capable chip.
Senior Apple leaders remain divided over whether a separate puck creates a poor user experience. While CEO John Ternus has long maintained private skepticism regarding the weight and cost of the current headset, he has publicly spoken about it with optimism. Meanwhile, Apple’s Vision hardware team has dropped lower in the company’s organizational chart following layoffs and the departure of its former hardware chief to OpenAI.
Apple headset weighs up to 800 grams
The original Apple Vision Pro can weigh up to 800 grams depending on the headband choice, making it substantially heavier than Meta’s upcoming 100-gram alternative.
Timeline and Future Outlook for Apple Headsets
Even if Apple fully commits to the N224 redesign following the industry shift toward lightweight form factors, a new device will likely not launch before late 2028 or early 2029. In the interim, Apple has redirected much of its attention toward simpler smart glasses that do not feature built-in displays, stepping back from immersive VR hardware while competitors target consumer-friendly comfort and pricing.
Common Questions About Apple’s Headset Strategy
Why is Apple rethinking the Vision Pro design?
Apple is reevaluating its headset strategy because the current Vision Pro model faces strong criticism for its heavy weight, high price, and limited everyday utility. Meta’s new 100-gram VR glasses have set a new market expectation for comfort by moving heavy processing components into an external module.
What happened to Apple’s alternative headset projects?
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has shelved at least three projects intended to solve the Vision Pro’s flaws, including a Mac-tethered device (N107), a version with an external pack (N100), and a lighter, cheaper model (N109).
When might a redesigned Apple headset launch?
Current projections indicate that any new Apple headset following the external-puck design philosophy, codenamed N224, is unlikely to ship before late 2028 or early 2029.
How much does the Meta VR Glasses model weigh compared to Apple’s device?
Meta’s VR glasses weigh approximately 100 grams and cost $1,299, whereas the Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499 and weighs up to 800 grams depending on the chosen headband.