Highlights
- Apple is reportedly working on three Vision series headsets and four smart glasses variants with five having confirmed timelines between 2025 and 2028.
- Vision Pro Roadmap includes the M5 Vision Pro in 2025, a lighter and cheaper Vision Air in 2027.
- A second-gen Vision Pro in 2028 with a new design and Mac-class processor.
- Apple’s first smart glasses are expected in 2027 with two XR glasses models to follow in 2028+.
Apple is reportedly working on at least seven head-worn products, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a new blog post, Kuo outlined Apple’s roadmap for its headset and smart glasses lineup, with the first new release expected in 2025. Here’s what we know based on Kuo’s latest reveal.
Apple Vision Series and Smart Glasses Roadmap (2025–2028)
Caption – The future of Apple Vision Series and Smart Glasses. (Image credit – Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo)
According to Kuo, “Apple views head-mounted devices as the next major trend in consumer electronics. The company currently has at least seven projects in development, comprising three Vision series products and four smart glasses variants. Five of these products have confirmed development timelines, while two remain TBD.”
Apple Vision Series and Smart Glasses Roadmap (2025–2028): Smart Glasses Set to Drive the Next Wave in Consumer Electronics
Full story: pic.twitter.com/U2nQhBmEYg
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) June 29, 2025
Vision Pro Roadmap
Caption – A still from Apple Vision Pro introduction video. (Credit – Apple)
M5 Vision Pro (2025) –
Apple is said to be preparing a slightly updated Vision Pro, going into mass production in Q3 2025. While the M5 chip will be new, the rest of the hardware will remain the same. Apple is expected to ship around 150,000 to 200,000 units by the end of 2025.
Vision Air (2027) –
A more affordable version of the Vision Pro named Vision Air could arrive in Q3 2027. Kuo says it will be 40% lighter, made of plastic and magnesium alloy instead of the current glass and titanium build. It’s expected to use the “highest-end iPhone processor” but with fewer sensors to cut costs.
2nd-Gen Vision Pro (2028) –
Kuo predicts a major upgrade in 2H 2028. The second-generation Vision Pro is expected to have a new design, a “Mac-class” processor, and be lighter and cheaper than the original.
Apple Glasses Timeline
1st-Gen Apple Glasses (2027)
Despite earlier rumours of a 2026 launch, Kuo now expects Apple’s first smart glasses similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban line to go into mass production in Q2 2027. Around 3–5 million units could ship. Features may include voice and gesture control, photo/video recording, AI environment sensing, and audio support (possibly through AirPods).
Two XR Glasses Models (2028+)
Apple is also working on two smart glasses with built-in displays with the first model expected to begin mass production in 2028. These will likely use Liquid Crystal on Silicon and waveguide display tech, along with gesture and voice controls.
Display Accessory on Hold
Kuo says a wired display accessory for Mac and iPhone, originally planned for Q2 2026, is on hold due to weight issues. The device was supposed to use Birdbath optics, but its future is uncertain.
Meanwhile, Kuo writes, “Apple’s entry is expected to push total market shipments for this category beyond 10 million units in 2027, marking a significant emerging trend.”
“Before Apple launches display-enabled smart glasses, several brands are expected to release similar products to establish early market presence. However, given the ongoing technological and design improvements needed, these products will likely remain niche offerings over the next two years,” Kuo further adds.
FAQs
Q1. How many head-mounted devices is Apple currently developing?
Answer. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on at least seven head-worn products, including three Vision series headsets and four smart glasses variants.
Q2. What is the Vision Air, and when is it expected to launch?
Answer. The Vision Air is a more affordable version of the Vision Pro, expected in Q3 2027. It will be 40% lighter, made of plastic and magnesium alloy, and use the highest-end iPhone processor with fewer sensors to reduce cost.
Q3. When will Apple’s first smart glasses be released, and what features might they include?
Answer. Apple’s first smart glasses are expected to go into mass production in Q2 2027. They may include voice and gesture control, photo/video recording, AI environment sensing, and audio support, possibly through AirPods.
Also Read: Rumour: Apple’s First Foldable Most Likely to Be an iPhone-iPad Hybrid