Apple is making significant strides in the augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) landscape, according to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s latest forecast.
The company is planning to release a diverse range of products, including smart glasses and new Vision headsets, with an ambitious roadmap that spans the next several years.
Apple’s first smart glasses are expected to rival Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, featuring a range of advanced capabilities like camera and video recording, built-in speakers, and a voice-controlled interface with AI features. These glasses are slated for mass production in Q2 2027, with an estimated 3 to 5 million units expected to ship that year.
The initial models will offer different frame and temple finishes, catering to various consumer preferences. Apple’s push into the smart glasses market is expected to stimulate demand across the entire category, with total shipments in 2027 predicted to reach 10 million units. In addition to these glasses, Apple is working on extended reality (XR) glasses, which will incorporate liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) displays, voice controls, and gesture-based navigation. These are set to enter production in Q2 2028.
While Apple’s smart glasses seem to be progressing well, the company has also hit a pause button on the development of a display accessory that would connect to devices like the iPhone. Initially expected to enter mass production in 2026, these glasses are now being refined for a better user experience.
On the Vision headset front, Apple is expected to release an updated Vision Pro later this year, featuring the new Apple M5 chip. Production of the Vision Pro will begin in Q3 2025, with an anticipated production run of 150,000 to 200,000 units. However, there won’t be a new Vision headset in 2026. Instead, Kuo believes Apple is working on at least three new headsets set to launch in 2027 and 2028.
One of the anticipated new models is the Vision Air, scheduled for release in Q3 2027. The Vision Air will be significantly lighter than the current Vision Pro, weighing in at just 600-650 grams, or about 40% less. It will feature an iPhone-grade processor, a magnesium alloy chassis, fewer sensors, and plastic optics to reduce weight while maintaining performance. This version of the headset will be priced more affordably, targeting a broader consumer base.
Lastly, the second-generation Vision Pro is expected to enter mass production in Q2 2028, sporting a revamped design, the latest M-series chip, and a lighter form factor to make it more accessible at a lower price point.
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