Katarzyna Petru
Apple hasn't said its final word on augmented reality yet. According to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company from Cupertino has up its sleeve as many as seven new head-worn devices that are set to hit the market in the coming years. If everything goes according to plan, 2027 could be a breakthrough year – not just for Apple, but for the entire industry.
M5 in Vision Pro. But this is just the beginning
In 2025, a slightly refreshed version of Apple Vision Pro is set to appear – featuring the M5 processor instead of the current M2. The rest will remain practically unchanged, meaning it will still be primarily aimed at developers and enthusiasts with deep pockets. It serves more as a bridge to larger releases than a full-fledged sequel.
Vision Air and "Ray-Ban glasses". Time for a lightweight version
In 2027, Apple plans to introduce completely new products:
Vision Air – a lighter, more affordable version of Vision Pro. Instead of the powerful M chip, the device is set to be powered by a chip known from iPhones. This means lower production costs, longer battery life, and the chance to reach a broader audience.
Smart glasses in the style of Ray-Ban – lightweight, more discreet, but integrated with the Apple system. It’s not yet known what capabilities they will offer, but one can assume they will work perfectly with the iPhone and the Apple ecosystem.
And that's just half the plans...
According to Kuo, Apple is currently developing seven projects in the head-worn category: three are products from the Vision line, and four are different types of AR/VR glasses. Five of these have a specific rollout schedule – the other two are in the experimental stage, which could mean prototypes or research projects within Apple Labs.
The next major step will be Apple Vision Pro 2, which – if everything is confirmed – won't debut until 2028. This means that Apple may want to first develop “cheaper” variants and test the market's reaction before targeting the premium segment again.
What's happening with micro-OLED?
A curiosity: Ming-Chi Kuo doesn't mention anything about micro-OLED, which is a display technology crucial for comfortable use of headsets. This is surprising, as Apple has invested huge amounts in this area, and the screen remains the most expensive component of the Vision Pro. Perhaps the topic is sensitive enough that it hasn't reached Kuo's sources yet.
The Apple Vision Pro debuted in 2024, but the availability of the device is very limited – officially, only a few countries can purchase it today. The initial reviews, including those from FlatpanelsHD, praise the image quality and immersion, but most testers point out the excessive weight and limited comfort during prolonged use. It is the Vision Air that may hold the answer to these issues.
End, of ends?
Apple's strategy resembles the slow positioning of pieces on a chessboard – first a premium device, then gradually moving down to lower prices and a more mass-market audience. If AR/VR truly becomes a new 'post-smartphone' category, Apple wants to be ready – with a full range of devices for every budget and every scenario.
Source: flatpanelshd
