Apple allegedly planning extensive strategy for smart glasses and headsets, according to assertions
Apple is set to enter the head-mounted devices market with a strategic launch of seven products, starting with an incremental update to the Vision Pro headset in 2025. According to a report by Apple sleuth Ming-Chi Kuo, published on Sunday, the tech giant is planning to release a refreshed Vision Pro powered by an M5 chip in the third quarter of 2025.
In 2026, Apple is expected to take a break from releasing new head-mounted devices, focusing instead on refining its technology and preparing for the next wave of innovations.
The real action begins in 2027, with the mass production of the Vision Air—a significantly lighter headset that is over 40% lighter than the current Vision Pro. The Vision Air will feature a lighter build by using plastic lenses instead of glass and magnesium alloy instead of titanium, and will be powered by an iPhone-grade processor. It is also expected to be positioned at a lower price point, making it more accessible to consumers.
Alongside the Vision Air, Apple is planning to launch multiple smart glasses models, which are part of the seven head-mounted devices in development. These smart glasses will not have a display, similar to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and will feature audio playback, voice control, a camera, AI environmental sensing, and a gesture recognition user interface.
In 2028, Apple is projected to release a completely redesigned Vision Pro 2, representing a major next-generation upgrade. The Vision Pro 2 is expected to have a new design, a lighter body, and a lower price point, setting it apart from its predecessor.
In addition to the Vision Pro and Vision Air, Apple is also developing XR Glasses with a LCoS display, voice control, and gesture recognition. There is an additional variant of the XR Glasses in development with a later production timeline. AI functionality is said to be critical to the success of the XR Glasses.
However, Apple faces stiff competition in the head-mounted devices market. Companies like Meta and Xiaomi, which has just launched its own version of smart glasses, are already a few steps ahead. To stay competitive, Apple will have to up its game and deliver innovative, consumer-friendly products.
It is worth noting that Apple has halted development of a "display accessory" cable-tethered to the AirPods Max. As for the comparison between Apple AirPods Max and Sony XM6 noise-canceling headphones, no information was provided in the report.
In summary, Apple’s roadmap shows a strategic launch of seven head-mounted devices starting with an incremental Vision Pro update in 2025, a pause in 2026, and a surge of innovative new products—including the lighter Vision Air and smart glasses—beginning in 2027, with further advancements culminating in Vision Pro 2 in 2028. The tech giant's timeline is designed to maintain market presence, introduce innovative products, and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving head-mounted devices market.
In 2027, Apple will introduce the Vision Air, a significantly lighter headset powered by an iPhone-grade processor, and several smart glass models that feature audio playback, voice control, AI environmental sensing, and a gesture recognition user interface.
The tech giant is also developing XR Glasses with a LCoS display, voice control, and gesture recognition, with an additional variant in the pipeline.
In the realm of technology, Apple's smart-home devices, gadgets, and streaming services are all part of their broader strategy to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
As for the head-mounted devices market, Apple faces stiff competition from companies like Meta and Xiaomi. To maintain market presence and deliver innovative, consumer-friendly products, Apple will have to continually up its game.
