Google has reportedly scrapped its ambitious “Project Iris” augmented reality (AR) glasses following changes in leadership and a shifting strategy, according to a recent report by Business Insider. The project, which had been in development for several years, was officially abandoned earlier this year after layoffs and the departure of Clay Bavor, Google’s former chief of augmented and virtual reality.
Initially, details of Project Iris were revealed in January 2022, with reports suggesting that the AR glasses resembled ski goggles. However, Google employees clarified that the ski goggles represented a separate AR project, eventually announced as a partner product with Samsung. The actual Project Iris focused on the development of eyeglass-like AR devices.
Google had initially aimed to release Iris as its own product and had bolstered its workforce through acquisitions, including the purchase of Canadian startup North in 2020, which specialized in augmented reality glasses. The first iteration of Iris closely resembled North’s Focals, while a later version demonstrated by Google showcased translation capabilities.
Google has shifted its focus away from developing its own hardware for extended reality (XR) devices. Instead, the company is redirecting its efforts towards the development of a software platform called “micro XR” that can be licensed to other headset manufacturers. Google aims to become the leading provider of augmented reality software, akin to its dominant position with Android in the mobile operating system market.
According to media reports, Google continuously changed its strategy for the development of Iris glasses, resulting in constant pivoting within the team and frustrations among employees. The tech giant’s decision to cancel Project Iris has not entirely closed the door on the concept. Some employees suggest that the project could be revived in the future, while other teams have been reassigned to work on software platforms and partnerships, such as the collaboration with Samsung.
While Google’s AR hardware plans face an uncertain future, the company’s renewed focus on software development for AR devices will put it in direct competition with industry giants Meta and Apple. Both companies are actively working on their own hardware solutions. Apple recently unveiled the Vision Pro, a high-end AR headset, while Meta is reportedly developing its own AR glasses.
Google’s decision to halt Project Iris marks another instance of the company’s foray into AR glasses reaching an impasse. After initially launching Google Glass in 2013, Google discontinued it as a consumer product within two years. A business-oriented version was reintroduced in 2017 but was ultimately discontinued in March 2023.
