Analyst details Apple's ambitious AR and VR plans with seven headsets, including Vision Pro 2
The Apple Vision Pro was announced over two years ago. However, the headset has experienced underwhelming sales, due in part to its steep starting price of $3,499. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, rather than dialling back its AR and VR ambitions, Apple is reportedly developing seven new headsets.
Leading the lineup is likely a refreshed Apple Vision Pro, rumoured to launch in the third quarter of 2025. Apart from an upgrade to the Apple M5 chip, the new model isn’t expected to feature any major enhancements. The true second-gen Apple Vision Pro with an overhauled design may not arrive until as late as 2028. Kuo also revealed that a more affordable mixed-reality headset, tentatively called “Vision Air”, could be released in the third quarter of 2027, featuring a 40% lighter design and powered by an iPhone-class processor. To reduce costs, the device may forgo several sensors and utilise a chassis made of magnesium and plastic, though it should be comparable to the Apple Vision Pro in terms of functionality.
Apple is also said to be working on a product to take on the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses. Rather than incorporating a display, this lightweight pair of AR glasses may rely on voice and gesture controls, interacting with the user through an AI voice assistant. Expected to launch in the second quarter of 2027, the glasses will reportedly include cameras, microphones and speakers as well as come in multiple frame sizes.
The second half of 2028 could see the debut of a pair of AR glasses equipped with a display, reminiscent of the Google Glass. Furthermore, Apple is also believed to be working on a variant that only functions when connected to an iPhone or a Mac – somewhat like a portable monitor. However, development has apparently been put on hold, as the company has struggled to sufficiently differentiate it from competing products.
Source(s)
