Apple to Launch ‘Vision Air’ Headset & Smart Glasses by 2027, Says Analyst
Apple is reportedly planning major expansions in its spatial computing lineup. According to Ming‑Chi Kuo, a respected Apple analyst, the company is preparing both a lighter “Vision Air” mixed‑reality headset and stylish smart glasses over the next two years .
Analyst Forecasts & Roadmap
Kuo’s roadmap reveals seven head-mounted devices in development—three Vision Series headsets and four smart-glass variants—with launch timing as follows :
- Vision Pro (M5 update): Q3 2025, modest refresh
- Vision Air: Q3 2027, ~40% lighter than current headset models
- 2nd-gen Vision Pro: H2 2028 with a Mac-grade processor
- Smart Glasses: Q2 2027, with shipments of 3–5 million units
- XR Glasses: Q2 2028, featuring full-color AR display
Vision Air Specs & Market Positioning
Dubbed Vision Air, Apple’s new headset is expected to combine lightweight materials like plastic and magnesium alloy, feature fewer sensors, and run on a high-end iPhone-class chip—all while offering a lower price to reach a broader audience . This mid-range strategy aims to make spatial computing more accessible than the premium Vision Pro.
Smart Glasses: AR-Light, Everyday Wearables
Apple’s smart glasses are said to be savvy eyewear aimed for Q2 2027 mass production. They’ll feature voice commands, gesture recognition, built-in cameras, audio support, and environmental sensing. While they lack full AR display, they’ll rival Meta’s Ray‑Ban and Google’s XR glasses .
According to Bloomberg, Apple has developed a specialized, power-efficient chip akin to Apple Watch silicon. This chip supports multi-camera usage and could enter production in 2026–27 .
Competing with Meta & Google
Entering the smart-glasses market signals Apple’s bid to compete with existing products—Meta Ray-Ban, Google’s Android XR, and other light AR gear. Apple’s reputation for build quality and privacy may give it an edge, even if it arrives slightly later .
Why It Matters
- Broader spatial computing: Vision Air could lower the cost barrier for MR adoption.
- Everyday wearables: Apple’s smart glasses aim to blend functionality (calls, music, translation) with style.
- Chip innovation: Custom silicon positions Apple for long-term wearables leadership.
- Ecosystem expansion: These products extend Apple Intelligence features across new form factors.
Conclusion
Apple is looking beyond its luxury Vision Pro, aiming for mass-market adoption with the lighter Vision Air headset and stylish smart glasses. Expected between 2026 and 2028, these devices could define the next era of wearable computing—and Apple’s trajectory in the post‑smartphone world.
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From: https://www.batteryer.nz/blog/2025/06/30/apple-to-launch-vision-air-headset-smart-glasses-by-2027-says-analyst/
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