Analyst reveals when Apple will be ready to take the virtual reality device market by storm

Apple is reportedly working on multiple virtual reality devices.

Technology analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared some insights into what’s next for Apple's Vision Pro series and smart glasses.

The analyst revealed that no new head-mounted devices are planned for next year, but a number of products are in the works for 2027.

Apple predicts that headsets will be the next big thing in consumer electronics. The company has been working on at least seven projects, including three Vision series products and four smart glasses variants. Five of these devices already have a confirmed development timeline, and the timelines of another two devices are on the way.

Kuo expects Apple smart glasses to “achieve significant volume” with estimated shipments reaching three to five million units, if not more, in 2027.

The analyst also notes that when it comes to competition, the company stands out with its “robust hardware development capabilities and ecosystem integration.” However, Apple still needs to find a way to integrate AI into the devices’ operating system and software.

The analyst provided a development roadmap as well as more insights about Apple’s future head-mounted devices for 2025-2028.

What’s next for the Apple Vision Pro headset?

Regarding the company’s Vision headset series, Kuo reveals that besides the Vision Pro second-generation device with “all new design,” two more devices are expected to come out: the Vision Pro M5 and Vision Air.

The Vision Pro M5 device is reported to be a “niche product” scheduled to be released in the third quarter of this year. Shipment units will reach 150,000-200,000. The device will include an upgraded processor, moving from M2 to M5.

The Vision Air headset could be launched in the third quarter of 2027. It’s expected to be 40% lighter than Apple Vision Pro and include the latest flagship iPhone processor. The headset is also expected to be much cheaper than the Vision Pro.

While there’s speculation as to what to expect from Apple regarding its flagship Vision Pro headset, Kuo’s report indicates that the mass production of the second-generation Vision Pro headset could start in the second half of 2028.

In terms of specifications, the device is expected to have an entirely new design, a Mac-grade processor, be much lighter, and be cheaper.

Apple is entering the smart glasses market

When it comes to Apple and its smart glasses development, the analyst shared that the company is working on two types of smart glasses: “Ray-Ban-like” and extended reality (XR) glasses.

The Ray-Ban-like smart glasses are scheduled for the second quarter of 2027 with estimated shipments of three to five million units or more in 2027.

The analyst reports that the smart glasses' functionalities could include audio playback, camera, video, recording, and AI environmental sensing. They could also include voice control and a gesture recognition interface.

Apple’s XR glasses are scheduled for mass production in the second half of 2028.

While the Ray-Ban-like smart glasses were reported not to include a display, Apple XR glasses could include a display with LCOS microdisplay technology known to provide high-quality resolution.

The device is also expected to have a voice control and gesture recognition user interface.

The analyst also mentioned the production of a “display accessory,” which was scheduled for the second quarter of 2026 but has been paused since 2024 due to development issues.

The device, which would display content from Apple’s other devices, seems heavier than its competitors. Nevertheless, the company is reviewing its development and considering restarting the project.