Incoming Apple CEO John Ternus has dramatically scaled back the company's mixed reality ambitions, scrapping plans for Vision Pro successors entirely. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Ternus eliminated the second-generation Vision Pro and lighter Vision Air variants, consolidating Apple's efforts into just two smart glasses products instead of the original seven-device roadmap.

Kuo's revised timeline now focuses on AI smart glasses launching in 2027 to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban offerings, followed by display-equipped AR glasses using optical waveguide technology slated for 2029 at the earliest. These waveguides pair micro-displays with transparent lenses that overlay virtual content onto real-world views.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman corroborates that Vision Air died in October 2025 and Mac-pairing display glasses were cancelled in January, though he notes a Vision Pro 2 exists in testing with the entire category effectively frozen. Apple's push toward smart glasses reflects recognition that mass-market wearables offer better commercial prospects than premium headsets.

Ternus officially takes the CEO reins on September 1, 2026, with Tim Cook transitioning to Executive Chairman. This strategic pivot signals Apple's acknowledgment that the Vision Pro's $3,499 price point and niche appeal limit its mainstream potential compared to more accessible smart eyewear.