The MacRumors Show: Apple's Big Plan for 5 New Vision Products
Apple's Ambitious Vision: 5 New Products on the Horizon
This week's MacRumors Show podcast delves into Apple's exciting roadmap for its next generation of Vision headsets and smart glasses. Based on leaks from renowned analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman, we've compiled a detailed look at what Apple is planning for the years to come.
Reliable sources like Ming-Chi Kuo (learn more about Ming-Chi Kuo) with his extensive roadmap and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (Mark Gurman's insights) have shed light on Apple's vision for this exciting product category. This information allows us to paint a clearer picture of what's to come.
2025: A Refined Beginning
The year 2025 will see a refresh of the original Vision Pro, not a full-blown second generation. This is a strategic move to maintain market presence, support ecosystem development, and utilize existing components.
- Apple Vision Pro (M4): This updated version will boast an improved M4 chip, possibly with a more powerful Neural Engine, enhancing its processing capabilities. A redesigned head strap promises greater comfort. Other significant changes are not anticipated. Apple anticipates producing 150,000–200,000 units, indicating it will remain a niche product for this year, primarily focusing on market positioning and ecosystem building rather than mass market adoption.
2026: A Year of Consolidation
No new Vision or smart glasses products are expected to launch in 2026. This likely indicates a period of development and refinement for the next wave of products.
2027: Smart Glasses Arrive and a Lighter Vision
The year 2027 marks a significant turning point with the introduction of Apple's first smart glasses and a lighter, more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset.
- Apple Smart Glasses: Think along the lines of Meta Ray-Bans, but with an Apple twist. These glasses will prioritize personalization with a variety of frame and temple styles. Control will be primarily voice-activated and gesture-based, eliminating the need for a cumbersome display. Core functions will include audio playback, image and video capture, and AI-powered environmental awareness, effectively creating a sophisticated extension of your iPhone experience for a plethora of tasks. Apple projects shipments of three to five million units, potentially making it the first Vision product line to see significant market success.
- Apple Vision Air: This will be a game-changer in terms of design and price. Expect a significantly lighter headset, achieving over 40% weight reduction compared to the Vision Pro. This impressive feat will be accomplished through innovative material choices, replacing glass with plastic, utilizing a lightweight magnesium alloy, and optimizing sensor usage. Instead of an M-series chip, it'll leverage Apple’s flagship iPhone processor of the time, allowing for a more affordable price point. Mass production is slated for the third quarter of 2027.
2028: A Refined Vision and Advanced Smart Glasses
2028 promises a true second-generation Vision Pro and a more advanced iteration of Apple's smart glasses.
- Apple Vision Pro (second generation): The second-generation Vision Pro is expected to feature a complete design overhaul, resulting in significantly less weight. A more powerful, Mac-grade processor promises superior performance, and a more accessible price point broadens its potential market reach. Mass production is projected to start in the second half of 2028.
- Apple XR Glasses: Building upon the foundation of the 2027 smart glasses, the XR Glasses will add a color Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) display employing waveguide optics. This improvement will deliver a richer visual experience, augmenting the existing voice and gesture controls. AI will be central to its functionality, enhancing usability and providing intuitive interaction. While other companies may release similar products earlier, the technological sophistication of Apple's XR Glasses, along with Apple's established ecosystem integration, positions it for future success in the space.
Beyond the Vision: Foldable iPhones and More
The podcast also discusses other topics relevant to Apple's innovative product strategy. The recent Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 announcement prompted a conversation about Apple’s foldable iPhone plans and their place in the future.
The MacRumors Show provides insightful analysis of Apple's product strategy, the potential market impact of these new devices, and how consumers might respond. We consider the competitive landscape and how Apple intends to differentiate itself from the competition and set itself at the head of the AR and VR revolution.
You can listen to the MacRumors Show podcast on various platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcast app. You can also use our RSS feed.
If you missed the previous episode discussing Apple's low-cost MacBook plans (previous episode), be sure to check it out! Subscribe to the MacRumors Show for weekly episodes featuring insightful discussions on the latest Apple news. We often have interesting guests, including: Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.
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