Kuo: Apple to Launch 7 AR Headsets, Starting 2025

Apple is reportedly working on a long-term plan to dominate the future of wearable technology—a vision that extends beyond the Vision Pro. In a new blog post, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared an updated roadmap for Apple’s head-mounted devices. The roadmap reveals that at least seven new products are in the pipeline, including a lighter and more affordable version of the Apple Vision Pro, named Vision Air, and Ray-Ban Meta-inspired smart glasses.

Let’s break down Apple’s complete vision for the future of spatial computing.

Apple’s Vision Headset Family: What’s Next?

According to Kuo, there are at least three new products currently in development under the Vision branding, each targeting a different price segment.

M5 Vision Pro – Minor Update Coming in 2025

• Mass Production: Q3 2025.
• Key Details: Same specs, M5 chip.
• Estimated Shipments: 150,000–200,000 units.
  This will be a minor update to the current Vision Pro, which will primarily focus on a chipset upgrade to maintain the same premium experience and keep Vision Pro competitive until larger updates arrive.

Vision Air – Lightweight and More Affordable (2027)

• Mass Production: Q3 2027.
• Weight: ~40% lighter than Vision Pro.
• Build: Plastic + magnesium alloy (vs. titanium + glass).
• Processor: “Highest-end” iPhone chip.
• Sensors: Fewer than those in Vision Pro.
• It’s expected to be a trimmed-down version of the Vision Pro and Apple’s first mainstream AR headset, aiming to bring spatial computing to a broader audience and compete with the Meta Quest lineup.

2nd-Gen Vision Pro – Redesign with Mac-Class Power (2028)

• Mass Production: Second Half of 2028.
• Upgrades: A new industrial design, significantly reduced weight, Mac-level performance, and a lower price.
• This marks a significant upgrade for pro users and early adopters seeking the best in immersive computing.

Apple’s Smart Glasses Strategy

In addition to the Vision series, four smart glasses projects are also in development. Some feature built-in displays, while others focus on lightweight AI assistance.

1st-Gen Apple Glasses – A Meta Ray-Ban Competitor (2027)

• Mass Production: Q2 2027.
• Shipments: 3–5 million units.
• Features: Voice control, gesture support, photo and video recording, environmental sensing (powered by AI), audio playback (possibly via AirPods), and more.
• Design: Multiple frame styles and materials.

This will be Apple’s answer to Meta’s smart glasses, infused with Cupertino’s signature polish.

Two XR Smart Glasses with Displays (2028 and TBD)

• One pair of display-enabled XR glasses is expected to enter production in 2028.
• Uses LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) and waveguide technology.
• Will support both voice and gesture control.

A second, more advanced model is also in development, but a timeline has not been established yet.

Display Accessory (Paused for Now)

• Intended to be a tethered viewer for Mac and iPhone.
• Built on Birdbath optics.
• Development is currently paused due to weight issues, but may resume later.

Apple Is Playing the Long Game and Might Still Win

Kuo believes that while tech giants like Meta are already flooding the market with smart glasses and VR headsets, Apple’s late-to-the-market strategy could still pay off in major ways. In his words:

Apple’s entry is expected to push total market shipments for this category beyond 10 million units in 2027, marking a significant emerging trend.

Even if others launch display-enabled glasses before Apple, Kuo suggests those products will remain niche:

Given the ongoing technological and design improvements needed, these products will likely remain niche offerings over the next two years.

Which Apple Product Are You Most Excited About?

From high-end headsets to lightweight smart glasses, Apple is investing heavily in wearable spatial computing. In typical Apple fashion, this perfect blend of performance, design, and AI may reshape the future of how we interact with the world around us.

Which of these upcoming Apple products are you most excited about? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.