Experts praise Apple Inc.'s strategic shift towards AI glasses, which are expected to become a popular "iPhone-like" device.

Prominent tech journalist Mark Gurman said that Apple Inc.'s decision to shift from developing a head-mounted display Vision Air to AI glasses is the right move. The shift towards the glasses business indicates that Apple Inc. no longer sees the fully enclosed head-mounted display Vision Pro as a viable mass market platform, at least not in the short term. The company is not chasing niche markets. Its most successful products - iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and AirPods - have sales reaching tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of units. The company's top-end products, such as the Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR, are mainly targeted at a niche but dedicated professional user base. While Vision Pro is likely to join this lineup, it has so far struggled to attract a large following. Therefore, Gurman believes that Apple Inc.'s decision to pause the development of the lighter, cheaper Vision Pro version (Vision Air) and focus engineers' efforts on smart glasses is the right decision. This move not only aligns with Apple Inc.'s strengths but also fits the industry trend towards always-on, AI-driven devices. The sooner Apple Inc. brings the glasses to market, the better it can compete with Meta, which has shifted its focus from headsets to AI glasses. This does not mean that the fate of Vision Pro is sealed. Apple Inc. is updating this headset with faster chips and may eventually introduce a new design at a price point above $3000. At some point in the future, Vision Pro could become a standout in the "Vision" series of wearable devices. Smart glasses without screens will target the lower end market, followed by versions with screens, true augmented reality glasses, and high-end headsets. This multi-tiered strategy fully leverages Apple Inc.'s strengths. Once a market appeal is found, Apple Inc. excels in expanding its product line - such as with the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods. But Apple Inc. still needs a mainstream hit product to support the entire product line. Gurman believes Vision Pro is not that product, and Vision Air is unlikely to be either. Apple Inc.'s competitors are also moving in a similar direction. Although Samsung Electronics will launch a high-end mixed reality headset this month to compete with Vision Pro, it is also working with companies like Alphabet Inc. Class C, owned by Alphabet, to develop smart glasses with screens and without screens. The company expects this MR headset not to be a big seller. Apple Inc. has several advantages that can make its smart glasses a hit product. The company has proven its ability to design attractive wearable devices. It excels in manufacturing efficient chips. And Apple Inc.'s ability to integrate the glasses into its ecosystem will surpass its competitors. Apple Inc.'s highly anticipated October product launch event is approaching. As the iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3, and new watches are released one after another, Apple Inc. will now shift its focus to the remaining product line for the fall season. Gurman expects this wave of new product releases to include multiple new products - the event will be held online rather than a grand event at Apple Inc.'s headquarters. The lineup will include the M5 iPad Pro and the Vision Pro with faster chips and upgraded headbands. Both products are already in production, and Apple Inc. is preparing for the upcoming releases.