The first device on Apple’s horizon is an updated Vision Pro powered by the M5 chip, slated for mass production in the third quarter of 2025. This follows the original Vision Pro, which launched in 2023 with an M2 chip but struggled with limited use cases and a steep $3,499 price tag. The M5 version keeps the same core specifications—high-resolution displays, advanced sensors, and a premium titanium alloy build—but swaps in the newer chip for improved performance. Kuo estimates shipments of 150,000 to 200,000 units by year-end, suggesting Apple is targeting a niche but growing market of early adopters and professionals.
The M5 chip, expected to debut across Apple’s product lineup in 2025, offers enhanced processing power and efficiency, critical for the demanding computational needs of mixed reality. While the update may seem incremental, it signals Apple’s intent to refine the Vision Pro’s foundation before introducing broader changes, likely addressing performance bottlenecks in AR and MR applications. This move also keeps the Vision Pro competitive with rivals like Meta’s Quest series, which prioritize affordability and content availability.
Vision Air: A Lighter, Cheaper Alternative
Looking further ahead, Apple plans to launch the Vision Air in the third quarter of 2027. This device aims to address two major criticisms of the original Vision Pro: weight and cost. At 40% lighter than its predecessor, the Vision Air will use a plastic and magnesium alloy construction instead of glass and titanium, making it more comfortable for extended wear. It will be powered by a high-end iPhone processor—likely an A-series chip—rather than an M-series chip, which should help lower production costs.
The Vision Air will also feature fewer sensors, potentially reducing the precision of its AR and MR capabilities but making it more accessible to mainstream consumers. Kuo suggests this model could retail at a significantly lower price than the Vision Pro, though still higher than competitors’ offerings, given Apple’s premium branding. By focusing on weight reduction and affordability, Apple aims to broaden the appeal of its Vision series, targeting users who want immersive experiences without the bulk or expense of the flagship model.
Smart Glasses: The Next Frontier
Apple’s roadmap extends beyond the Vision series to include four smart glasses variants, with production timelines starting in the second half of 2028. These glasses, distinct from the bulkier Vision Pro and Vision Air, are designed to be lightweight and stylish, resembling traditional eyewear. Unlike AR-heavy headsets, smart glasses will likely prioritize simple, context-aware features like heads-up notifications, navigation prompts, or basic AR overlays, powered by a compact design.
The smart glasses are expected to integrate with Apple’s ecosystem, leveraging iPhones for processing power and connectivity. This approach mirrors early rumors about Apple exploring non-AR smart glasses and AirPods with cameras, suggesting a strategy to diversify head-worn devices for different use cases. By 2028, Apple aims to position these glasses as a mainstream accessory, potentially competing with products like Ray-Ban’s Meta-powered smart glasses, which offer audio and video recording capabilities.
A Dual-Family Strategy
Apple’s head-mounted device lineup splits into two distinct families: the Vision series, focused on immersive AR and MR experiences, and smart glasses, emphasizing lightweight, everyday functionality. Three Vision series products are in development, including the M5 Vision Pro, Vision Air, and a redesigned Vision Pro expected in 2028 with undisclosed upgrades. The four smart glasses variants, meanwhile, remain less defined, with two still lacking confirmed production timelines, indicating Apple is still refining their feature set.
This dual approach reflects Apple’s belief that head-mounted devices are the future of consumer electronics, much like smartphones reshaped the 2000s. The Vision series targets tech enthusiasts and professionals who need powerful AR and MR tools, while smart glasses aim for broader adoption by offering practical, less intrusive features. This strategy allows Apple to test the waters with premium devices while building toward mass-market appeal.
Challenges and Opportunities
Apple’s ambitious roadmap comes with hurdles. The original Vision Pro’s high price and limited content have dampened sales, with users praising its technology but craving more practical applications. Kuo notes that Apple’s challenge lies not just in pricing but in creating compelling use cases—think productivity tools, gaming, or seamless integration with work and entertainment. Competitors like Meta have gained ground by offering cheaper headsets with robust content ecosystems, putting pressure on Apple to deliver software that matches its hardware prowess.
On the opportunity side, Apple’s ecosystem gives it a unique edge. Integration with iPhones, Macs, and services like Apple Music or Fitness+ could create seamless experiences that competitors struggle to replicate. The M5 Vision Pro’s launch in 2025 will test whether Apple can refine its mixed reality vision, while the Vision Air and smart glasses could open new markets by prioritizing accessibility and style.
Why It Matters for Users
For consumers, Apple’s head-mounted devices promise to redefine how we interact with technology. The M5 Vision Pro will appeal to early adopters and professionals, offering a glimpse of mixed reality’s potential for tasks like 3D design or virtual collaboration. The Vision Air, with its lighter design and lower price, could bring AR and MR to a wider audience, making immersive gaming or virtual travel more accessible. Smart glasses, meanwhile, could transform daily routines by overlaying information like directions or notifications without the need for a bulky headset.
These devices also signal Apple’s long-term vision for computing. By investing heavily in head-mounted technology, Apple is betting that AR and MR will eventually rival smartphones in importance. Whether it’s a designer using the Vision Pro to prototype in 3D or a commuter checking messages through smart glasses, Apple’s roadmap aims to make head-worn devices as intuitive and essential as the iPhone.
The Road Ahead
Apple’s seven head-mounted devices mark a bold push into uncharted territory. The M5 Vision Pro, arriving in 2025, sets the stage for iterative improvements, while the Vision Air in 2027 and smart glasses in 2028 aim to democratize the technology. With five of the seven projects having confirmed production timelines, Apple is moving aggressively to establish itself as a leader in head-mounted devices. As the company refines its hardware and software, the success of this roadmap will hinge on delivering experiences that feel indispensable to users, not just futuristic novelties.
