Apple Eyes 2027 Launch for Smart Glasses

Looking ahead, **Apple** is reportedly developing smart glasses slated for a possible release in 2027. This move is viewed as integral to the company’s broader expansion strategy.

Vision Series Evolution

According to a detailed analysis from well-regarded analyst **Ming-Chi Kuo**, **Apple** is working on seven different head-mounted devices expected to roll out between 2025 and 2028. The plan encompasses both XR headsets within the Vision series and smart glass models, each with distinct technical features.

The initial phase involves an updated Vision Pro model featuring a new M5 chip, potentially arriving in 2025. Reportedly, a lighter, more affordable alternative, called Vision Air, is targeted for 2027. By 2028, a completely redesigned headset with capabilities rivaling a Mac, known as Vision Pro 2, could emerge.

Additionally, **Kuo** indicates that **Apple** is exploring multiple smart glass variations, ranging from simple audio-only glasses to advanced augmented reality glasses incorporating an integrated WaveGuide display.

Focus on Functionality

The initial smart glasses model will reportedly prioritize core functions like camera integration, speech recognition, and audio playback, rather than including a display. Control will be managed through gestures or voice commands. The built-in cameras are expected to be AI-enhanced, offering more intuitive environmental interaction. Initial production could reach between three and five million units, suggesting **Apple** anticipates significant market interest. By comparison, Meta shipped 200,000 units of its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in the fourth quarter of 2023 alone (The Verge).

Vision Air Details

Concurrently with the smart glasses, the Vision Air XR headset is slated for launch. The Vision Air is projected to be roughly 40 percent lighter than the Vision Pro, primarily through the substitution of titanium components with plastic and magnesium. This should also result in a more accessible price point compared to the Vision Pro.

Long-Term Outlook

The products planned for 2027 comprise a portion of a comprehensive, long-term product roadmap. While Vision Air should have complex sensors and visionOS as a fully equipped XR headset, the smart glasses will likely serve as a blend of lifestyle accessory and practical technology.

The first iteration of smart glasses will omit a display, catering to users who don’t require extensive visual augmentation. Instead, the emphasis will be on features like audio navigation, ambient interaction, and basic camera functions, effectively mirroring an **Apple** Watch in a glasses form factor. Subsequent versions of the smart glasses are expected to incorporate AR displays utilizing WaveGuide technology, potentially appearing as early as 2028.