Apple said to launch Vision Pro refresh in 2025, Vision Air in 2027 and XR glasses by 2028

India Today

30-06-2025

Apple has some big plans for its extended reality (XR) and smart glasses devices. The Cupertino giant is reportedly focusing on a multiphase strategy with staggered product releases planned for launch over the next few years. The launches are likely to begin with the arrival of an upgraded Vision Pro headset in 2025 and end with the launch of XR-enabled smart glasses by 2028.advertisementAccording to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is expected to refresh its Vision Pro headset by the end of this year with a new version powered by an M5 chip. The updated model is set to enter mass production in the third quarter of 2025, with estimated shipments of between 150,000 and 200,000 units.While the core specifications will remain largely unchanged, Kuo suggests that Apple will upgrade the processor to keep the device relevant in a fast-evolving XR landscape. He notes that Apple has not yet positioned the Vision Pro as a mass-market product. Instead, it is using the device for strategic purposes such as ecosystem development, hardware iteration, and maintaining a foothold in the high-end XR space.Vision Air may come in 2027
Along with the Vision Pro, Kuo also reveals Apple's plans to launch an accessible headset, reportedly named the Vision Air. This new addition to Apple's Air ecosystem is expected to launch in 2027. According to Kuo, this device is planned for mass production in the third quarter of that year. The Vision Air is likely to feature a redesigned, significantly lighter frame—over 40 per cent less in weight compared to the first-generation Vision Pro.advertisementTo power the Vision Air, Kuo reveals that Apple will likely use the iPhone processor rather than the Mac-grade chips seen in Vision Pro models. The Vision Air will also be significantly cheaper than the Pro, and to reduce costs Apple is reportedly planning changes in materials, including a shift from glass to plastic, broader use of magnesium alloy (with titanium ruled out for being too expensive), and a reduced number of onboard sensors. While no official price is confirmed, earlier estimates have predicted it to arrive at a price tag between $1,500 and $2,000.Display-enabled XR glasses pushed for 2028 launchPerhaps the most ambitious device in Apple's wearables roadmap is said to be a pair of XR smart glasses. There have been rumours that Apple is interested in making its smart glasses with display capabilities.Now, according to Kuo, Apple has scheduled mass production for this device for the second half of 2028. Unlike Apple's upcoming Ray-Ban-style glasses—which will not include a display—the XR glasses are said to use liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology with waveguide optics to enable colour visuals.These glasses are expected to support both voice control and gesture recognition, similar to the input methods found in other models. According to Kuo, AI will be the focus for these smart glasses, though the specifics of Apple's approach to on-device AI remain unclear. Additionally, a second variant of the XR glasses is also reportedly in development. However, there is uncertainty around its production timeline.Smart glasses without displayadvertisementNot just XR glasses with displays—Apple is also developing lightweight smart glasses with no display. These glasses are reportedly scheduled for mass production in Q2 2027, and will offer features such as audio playback, video recording, environmental sensing, and basic AI-driven functions.Kuo suggests these glasses could eventually replace some functions of true wireless earbuds (TWS) and even smartphone cameras. Apple is targeting shipment volumes of 3 to 5 million units in 2027, which could push total market shipments for this category beyond 10 million.Apple keeps display accessory project on holdMeanwhile, Kuo's report also revealed that Apple's display accessory project, which was originally set for production in Q2 2026, has been paused since late 2024. This product would have allowed tethered content display from other Apple devices like the iPhone, utilising birdbath optics and electrochromic dimming. However, according to Kuo, Apple has reportedly paused its development over concerns that it lacks sufficient competitive advantage—particularly due to its weight compared to competing products.- Ends