Multiple Apple headsets and smart glasses on a leaked roadmap
by https://www.facebook.com/dujkan, Christian Zibreg · iDownloadBlog.comMultiple Apple headsets and smart glasses on a leaked roadmap
Christian Zibreg ∙ June 30, 2025
Apple could release several new Vision-branded headsets and digital smart glasses in the next few years, along with a new display accessory that’s currently on pause.
Reliable industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared on Medium a detailed roadmap of the headsets and digital glasses that Apple aims to release by 2030, with the company’s inaugural smart glasses expected to drive the next wave in consumer electronics.
Five of these products allegedly have “confirmed” development timelines, while two remain to be confirmed, said Kuo.
Multiple Apple Vision headsets are coming
Updated Apple Vision Pro (2025)
Apple could release a refreshed version of its $3500 Vision Pro headset using an upcoming M5 chip, which is expected to debut this year in refreshed MacBook Pros and iPad Pros. The current Visio Pro uses the M2 chip, which arrived in 2022. This will basically be a simple specs update to ensure the headset can keep up with the latest software advancements, because no other changes are expected.
The device should arrive in the fall, with mass production starting in the third quarter. With an estimated 150,000–200,000 shipments, the refreshed Vision Pro will remain a pricey technology showcase rather than a market-moving product.
Apple Vision Air (2027)
A more affordable, less powerful version of the Vision Pro offered at a “significantly lower price point” is expected in the fall of 2027. The device should be 40% lighter than the Vision Pro, which should address concerns about head fatigue that some reviewers experience after 20-30 minutes of use. Apple is said to use lighter materials for Vision Air, including magnesium alloy and plastic instead of glass. The device should use a less powerful iPhone-class chip.
Apple Vision Pro 2 (2028)
Not much is known about a second-generation Vision Pro, but Kuo says the key improvements include a significantly reduced weight, a design overhaul and a Mac-class chip. It should cost less than the $3500 Vision Pro, but Kuo didn’t say how much less. The device should enter mass production in the second half of 2028.
Smart glasses
Apple apparently has these smart glasses models on the roadmap.
Apple Smart Glasses (2027)
Apple’s foray into digital glasses is expected to bring features similar to Meta Ray-Bans, including notifications, voice control, gestures, music playback, as well as taking photos and recording video (if Apple’s executives approve it) and AI environmental awareness. These will not be augmented reality glasses, so don’t expect a built-in display. Instead, voice will be the primary interface.
Kuo says these Ray-Ban-like smart glasses will likely be the first to achieve significant volume, helping mainstream the category in the category. Apple allegedly expects 3-5 million digital glasses shipments in 2027. Mass production is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027 ahead of launch that fall.
Apple XR Glasses (2028)
This is a more powerful version of the first smart glasses coming in 2027, equipped with a color liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS) display that rocks waveguide optics and AI as the key feature. These enhanced smart glasses still won’t have a display, with mass production scheduled for the second half of 2028.
Apple XR Glasses 2 (2029)
It’s unclear whether these glasses will be a true second-generation product or a chip-and-ship update like the M5 Vision Pro. Apple is also said to be working on augmented reality glasses that would work standalone and project directions, notifications and more onto the user’s field of view via a built-in transparent display. However, those are at least a few years away as the technology isn’t there yet.
A new display accessory
Apple may also release a new accessory said to display content from iPhones, Macs and other Apple devices. It’s understood to be 120–130 grams and use Birdbath optics display technology featuring electrochromic dimming as one of its key hardware selling points. However, development work is currently paused as Apple is refining specifications, with a project restart possible.
Apple’s plans could change at any moment
Kuo is arguably the most reliable Apple analyst, but his timeframes can be off. On the other hand, Kuo’s predictions often come true because he has sources entrenched in Apple’s supply chain that inform him of the company’s future orders and plans.
Thanks to quality sources, Kuo can predict Apple’s moves with a high degree of certainty based on actual supply chain chatter instead of rumors and wishful thinking. Nevertheless, you should take his predictions with a grain of salt.