Latest news with #Ray-Ban-style
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Apple's full XR headset and smart glasses roadmap leaks, with big moves starting 2027
Apple may be taking its time with Vision Pro upgrades, but a new leak from reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shows the company has far bigger ambitions for the future of head-mounted devices. According to Kuo's latest forecast, Apple is quietly working on at least seven different products — three in the Vision XR headset series and four types of smart glasses — with multiple models expected to launch between 2027 and 2028. Apple's long-term AR vision laid out — four smart glasses models, one bold roadmap. | Image credit — Ming-Chi Kuo Kuo believes Apple's first major volume play in the wearables space will be a pair of Ray-Ban-style smart glasses, expected to enter mass production in Q2 2027. These glasses won't have a display but will include audio playback, cameras for video recording, voice control, gesture recognition, and AI-assisted features. With a projected 3–5 million units shipped in 2027 alone, Apple's entry could push total market shipments of smart glasses over the 10 million mark. Apple is positioning its glasses as lifestyle wearables, not just another tech toy. | Image credit — iDrop News Several frame and temple material options are planned for the first generation, giving Apple the flexibility to market the glasses as lifestyle accessories. They're also positioned as potential replacements for both wireless earbuds and smartphone cameras. Apple's next-gen XR glasses aim to blend cutting-edge optics with AI-powered interaction. | Image credit — iDrop News Apple is also working on a more advanced pair of XR glasses with a built-in display, waveguide optics, and a full color panel. These are expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2028. Voice and gesture control will be the primary interface, and their success could hinge on AI integration.A third, display-only 'accessory' device — similar in concept to a tethered screen for your iPhone — was originally scheduled for 2026 but has been paused. Kuo says this version lacked a clear competitive edge, especially with a 120–130g weight compared to sub-100g rivals. A future revision could still happen, but the timeline is now unknown. A limited Vision Pro update is coming in Q3 2025 — just 150,000 to 200,000 units planned. On the XR headset front, Apple is refreshing the Vision Pro this year with a new M5 chip. Mass production for this updated model is expected in Q3 2025, with a limited run of 150,000–200,000 units. This is seen as a stopgap to maintain momentum while Apple builds out the ahead, 2027 is expected to bring the Vision Air, which will be a lighter, more affordable headset that uses an iPhone-grade processor and sheds bulk by swapping glass optics for plastic, reducing sensors, and adopting a magnesium alloy body. Kuo estimates it will be at least 40% lighter than the current Vision Pro . Apple's second-gen Vision Pro is set for a major overhaul — and a big price cut. | Image credit — PhoneArena The Vision Pro 2, which is said to come with a fully redesigned chassis, Mac-grade processor, and lower price point, is reportedly scheduled for the second half of 2028. Kuo's forecast suggests Apple sees head-mounted computing as a long-term bet, and it's preparing to compete across both high-end XR and more mainstream smart glasses segments. Despite no new headsets expected in 2026, the company is laying the groundwork for a wave of launches starting in 2027. Apple has a real shot at leading the future of AR and VR — and it's for the same reasons its other hardware has succeeded: custom silicon, seamless ecosystem integration, and premium design. But the competition isn't standing still. Meta, Samsung, and Google are all pouring resources into the next wave of smart glasses. And that's ultimately great news for consumers — more competition usually means faster innovation and better products for everyone. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Apple may launch more Vision Pro-like headsets than iPhones in next three years
Apple is developing at least seven head-mounted devices across two product lines, with smart glasses positioned to become the next major consumer electronics trend, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's latest forecast. The company's aggressive timeline spans from 2025 to 2028, with Ray-Ban-style smart glasses expected to lead the charge in 2027. The company's first consumer smart glasses will enter mass production in Q2 2027, targeting 3-5 million unit shipments in their debut year. These Ray-Ban competitors will feature voice control, gesture recognition, camera capabilities, and AI-powered environmental sensing without display functionality. Kuo predicts Apple's entry will push total smart glasses market shipments beyond 10 million units in 2027, transforming a niche category into mainstream adoption. Vision Pro to get the M5 upgrade this year Apple's immediate focus centers on refreshing the Vision Pro with an M5 processor upgrade , scheduled for mass production in Q3 2025. Despite maintaining current specifications, the updated headset targets 150,000-200,000 unit shipments through 2025, positioning it as a premium ecosystem development tool rather than mass-market device. The company plans no new Vision releases in 2026, instead preparing for a significant 2027 launch of Vision Air, a lighter, more affordable alternative weighing 40% less than the original Vision Pro through plastic optics and magnesium alloy construction. Apple's Ray-Ban Meta glasses rival could come in 2028 Apple's most advanced smart glasses project involves XR-capable devices with LCoS displays and waveguide technology, entering mass production in H2 2028. These glasses will offer full-color displays alongside voice and gesture controls, representing the company's premium smart glasses offering. Kuo notes that Apple is simultaneously developing a second display-equipped model, though specific details remain undisclosed. Additionally, a previously planned "display accessory" for iPhone and Mac connectivity has been paused due to weight challenges but could resume development. The roadmap positions Apple to leverage its hardware expertise and ecosystem integration advantages while competitors establish early market presence. However, the company's success ultimately depends on advancing AI-powered software capabilities to match its ambitious hardware timeline. According to Kuo's analysis, Apple views this multi-device strategy as essential for capturing the next wave of consumer electronics innovation. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
