Katarzyna Petru
Apple has yet to say its last word on augmented reality. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company from Cupertino has as many as seven new head-worn devices up its sleeve that are expected to hit the market in the coming years. If all 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 – with the M5 processor instead of the current M2. The rest will remain practically unchanged, which means it will still be equipment primarily for developers and enthusiasts with deep pockets. It is more of a bridge to larger premieres than a full-fledged sequel.
Vision Air and "Ray-Ban glasses". Time for a lighter version
In 2027, Apple plans to launch completely new products:
Vision Air – a lighter, more affordable version of Vision Pro. Instead of a powerful M chip, the device is expected to be powered by a chip known from iPhones. This means lower production costs, longer battery life, and the chance to reach a wider audience.
Smart glasses in the style of Ray-Ban – lightweight, more discreet, but integrated with the Apple system. It is not yet known what capabilities they will offer, but one can assume that they will work perfectly with the iPhone and the Apple ecosystem.
And that's just half of 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 them already have a concrete rollout schedule – the remaining two are in the experimental stage, which may mean prototypes or research projects within Apple Labs.
The next big step will be the Apple Vision Pro 2, which – if everything is confirmed – will debut only in 2028. This means that Apple may want to first develop "cheaper" variants and check the market response before aiming at the premium segment again.
What about micro-OLED?
Interesting fact: Ming-Chi Kuo doesn't mention anything about micro-OLED, which is a display technology crucial for the comfort of using headsets. This is surprising, as Apple has invested significant resources in this area, and the screen remains the most expensive component of Vision Pro. Perhaps the topic is sensitive enough that it hasn't yet reached Kuo's sources.
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 first reviews, including those from FlatpanelsHD, praise the image quality and immersion, but most testers point out too much weight and limited comfort during prolonged use. This is where Vision Air may provide answers to these problems.
The End, The End of Ends?
Apple's strategy resembles the slow arrangement of pieces on a chessboard – first a premium device, then a gradual move down to lower prices and a more mass market. If AR/VR truly becomes the new 'post-smartphone' category, Apple wants to be ready – with a full range of devices for every budget and every scenario.
Source: flatpanelshd
