Apple has recently taken a bold step by asking Vision Pro users questions it typically shied away from before. The tech giant is not just listening but actively probing the mixed reality landscape with a new survey sent to Vision Pro owners this week. 
The survey delves into topics about competing devices, including Meta’s Quest headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses, signaling Apple’s strategic interest in the XR space.
The majority of the survey addresses typical user experience inquiries, such as comfort, display quality, Guest Mode functionality, and the use of accessories like the external battery clip or travel case. However, hidden within these questions are some pointed queries about Apple’s competition – a rare move for the company.
Among the questions, Apple asks whether users own Meta’s Quest 3, Quest Pro, PlayStation VR, Valve Index, or any other VR headsets, all of which are competitors in the extended reality (XR) market. This could be a hint that Apple is closely tracking the competition’s performance.
What stands out, however, is Apple’s inquiry into smart glasses, an area where it doesn’t currently have a product. The survey references Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, Amazon’s Echo Frames, and Snapchat Spectacles. This line of questioning strongly suggests that Apple is gearing up to enter the smart glasses market, a move it has been rumored to be planning for a while.
According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s smart glasses are already in the works, with a projected release date in 2027. These “Apple Glasses” are expected to include features like audio playback, integrated cameras, voice and gesture controls, and AI-powered environmental awareness, placing them in direct competition with Meta’s Ray-Bans. Additionally, Kuo reports that Apple is developing a pair of “XR Glasses” with a built-in display, set for release in 2028, as well as a lighter, more affordable Vision Air headset for 2027. The Vision Air will reportedly weigh 40% less than the current Vision Pro and come at a significantly lower price, thanks to using iPhone-grade internals and simplified optics.
This strategic focus on smart glasses indicates Apple is paying close attention to this market. With Meta gaining ground in the smart glasses sector via its partnership with Ray-Ban and Amazon continuing to evolve its Echo Frames, Apple seems eager to learn from these competitors before launching its own offerings.
Apple’s current Vision Pro is still a high-end product, but the company clearly envisions future success in more affordable, lightweight, AI-driven wearables. Surveys like this one will likely help shape Apple’s roadmap for its next moves in the XR space.
Interestingly, while Apple has made strides in XR, its AI-powered assistant, Siri, remains behind its competitors in terms of capabilities. However, the company’s ongoing interest in the XR market suggests confidence in catching up with advancements in this field.
As for when Apple will release its first smart glasses, it’s still uncertain. The most probable timeline points to late 2027, given that more advanced AI features and a new Siri 2.0 update are expected in 2026. Apple’s move into XR wearables may not be too far off, and a new Vision Pro could be released later this year, possibly alongside the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, expected in September.
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Lol apple trying to catch up with meta’s smart glasses 😂