Apple is clearly preparing for the next frontier in consumer electronics: head worn devices. According to renowned analyst Ming Chi Kuo, Apple has at least seven head-mounted products—spanning both premium headsets and sleek smart glasses—in the works between now and 2028. Let’s unpack what this means for both tech enthusiasts and general consumers.
Refreshed Vision Pro in 2025
Later this year, Apple is expected to launch an updated Vision Pro headset product, nearly identical to the first one but using the next-generation M5 chip. The upgrade is more for performance enhancement while continuing Apple’s low-risk investment in the emerging spatial computing market rather than for pushing volume sales. The manufacturing run is expected to be small – roughly 150,000 to 200,000 units – so it is still expected to be a niche product, but a strategically important one nonetheless.
A Quiet Year in 2026
Kuo expects that after the 2025 refresh, Apple won’t release any new headset or smart glasses models in 2026. Kuo believes that this quiet time will give Apple time to firm up its supply chain, refine software such as visionOS and Apple Intelligence, and prepare for a more cohesive rollout in 2027.
A Dual Launch in 2027: Vision Air and Smart Glasses
Mid 2027 is set to be the moment when Apple broadens its head-worn portfolio. First up is Vision Air—a lighter, more affordable version of Vision Pro. Expected to weigh around 40% less thanks to an all-plastic and magnesium build, it will ditch some sensors and run on an iPhone-class chipset instead of an M-series engine. Meanwhile, Apple’s debut smart glasses—resembling high-end Ray Ban frames—will feature voice commands, gesture controls, a built-in camera for photo/video, and basic AI-powered environmental sensing. These glasses are projected to ship 3–5 million units in their first year and could drive smart eyewear adoption past the 10 million mark.
The Big Push in 2028: Vision Pro 2.0, XR Glasses & Tethered Headsets
2028 is forecast to bring the most ambitious wave yet. Apple plans to unveil a second-generation Vision Pro, featuring a full redesign, lighter build, and a powerful Mac-grade processor at a more accessible price. Additionally, Apple will launch advanced XR smart glasses equipped with full-colour Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) displays and waveguide optics—offering richer visual overlays alongside AI-driven voice and gesture controls. On top of that, Apple is developing a tethered Vision Pro variant, relying on external Mac or iPhone power to stay lightweight; however, its future remains unclear due to concerns over competitive viability.
Why Seven Devices—And Why It Matters
Kuo emphasizes that Apple sees head-mounted devices as the next major consumer electronics trend. Rather than focusing on a single flagship, Apple appears to be pursuing a multi-tiered strategy: premium headsets for immersive experiences, lighter alternatives for broader appeal, and glasses for everyday wear. Their strong ecosystem integration, custom silicon, and tight hardware-software synergy give Apple a real advantage. The main hurdle will be software—particularly visionOS and AI functionality—which Apple will need to polish to deliver a seamless, human centred experience.
Final Word
Apple’s seven device roadmap suggests a bold and methodical entry into spatial computing and wearable tech. While 2026 may seem quiet, it’s clearly a pivot year leading into an aggressive rollout in 2027 and 2028. If the plan unfolds as anticipated, we can expect a dynamic spectrum of products—from lightweight glasses to power packed headsets—that could redefine personal computing, bringing digital content ever closer to our senses.
