Key Takeaways
1. The Apple Vision Pro has underperformed in sales due to its high price of $3,499, but Apple plans to develop seven new headsets instead of reducing AR and VR projects.
2. A refreshed version of the Apple Vision Pro is expected in Q3 2025, featuring an upgraded M5 chip, though significant improvements may not be present.
3. A budget-friendly mixed-reality headset, possibly named “Vision Air,” is anticipated in Q3 2027, designed to be 40% lighter and powered by an iPhone-level processor.
4. Apple is creating lightweight AR glasses to compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, set to launch in Q2 2027, featuring voice and gesture controls.
5. In late 2028, Apple may introduce AR glasses with a display, intended to work with an iPhone or Mac, although development has faced challenges.
The Apple Vision Pro was revealed more than two years ago. Despite the hype, the headset has seen disappointing sales, mainly because of its high starting price of $3,499. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that instead of scaling back on its AR and VR plans, Apple is actually in the process of creating seven new headsets.
Future Plans for Apple Vision Pro
At the forefront is likely a refreshed version of the Apple Vision Pro, which is rumored to be launched in the third quarter of 2025. This new model is expected to include an upgraded Apple M5 chip, but it likely won’t offer any significant improvements. The truly redesigned second-generation Apple Vision Pro might not show up until 2028 at the earliest. Kuo also mentioned a more budget-friendly mixed-reality headset, possibly named “Vision Air,” which could hit the market in the third quarter of 2027. This headset is said to be 40% lighter and powered by an iPhone-level processor. To keep costs down, it might skip several sensors and use a magnesium and plastic frame while still aiming to match the Apple Vision Pro in functionality.
Competing in the AR Glasses Market
Additionally, Apple is reportedly developing a product to compete with the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses. Instead of having a screen, these lightweight AR glasses are expected to use voice and gesture controls, interacting with users through an AI voice assistant. Scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2027, these glasses are said to come with cameras, microphones, and speakers, and will be available in different frame sizes.
Upcoming AR Innovations
In the latter part of 2028, we may see the introduction of a pair of AR glasses that feature a display, similar to the Google Glass. Moreover, Apple is believed to be designing a version that only works when linked to an iPhone or a Mac, functioning like a portable monitor. However, progress on this project has reportedly stalled, as the company faced challenges in finding a way to make it stand out from existing products.
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