On this week’s episode of The MacRumors Present, we focus on Apple’s roadmap for brand new Imaginative and prescient headsets and sensible glasses over the subsequent few years.
On the finish of June, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo leaked an intensive roadmap of the corporate’s plans for its Imaginative and prescient and sensible glasses product traces till the tip of the last decade. Most lately, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman supplied some clarifications in regards to the new Imaginative and prescient Professional that’s anticipated to launch this 12 months. With the data from these two extremely dependable sources, this is what we’re now anticipating:
2025
- Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional (M4): A refreshed first-generation Imaginative and prescient Professional. That includes the M4 chip, probably with a extra highly effective Neural Engine. It would additionally doubtless have an all-new head strap with a deal with bettering consolation. No different modifications are anticipated and the brand new machine won’t be thought-about to be a “second technology” mannequin. Mass manufacturing is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025 and Apple is anticipating to ship 150,000–200,000 items this 12 months. It would doubtless stay a distinct segment product. The second-generation mannequin is just designed to keep up market presence and assist ecosystem improvement, in addition to scale back stock of extra elements within the provide chain.
2026
- No new Imaginative and prescient or sensible glasses merchandise to be launched.
2027
- Apple Good Glasses: Much like Meta Ray-Bans, Apple’s first sensible glasses product will supply a number of body and temple materials choices for a extra customized look. It would function voice management and gesture recognition, however there will likely be no show. Key options embrace audio playback, images and videography, and AI-powered environmental consciousness. Some customers will use the sensible glasses to interchange their AirPods or iPhone digicam in sure conditions. Mass manufacturing is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, with Apple anticipating shipments of three to 5 million items within the launch 12 months. It would doubtless be the primary Imaginative and prescient or glasses product to realize important gross sales quantity.
- Apple Imaginative and prescient Air: That includes all-new design that’s “considerably lighter,” with over 40% weight discount in comparison with the Imaginative and prescient Professional. This weight discount will likely be achieved by changing glass with plastic, utilizing magnesium alloy, and decreasing the variety of sensors on the machine. It would include Apple’s newest flagship iPhone processor of the time, moderately than an M-series chip. It would come at a “considerably cheaper price level” than the Imaginative and prescient Professional. Mass manufacturing is scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.
2028
- Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional (second technology): Apple’s true second-generation Imaginative and prescient Professional headset will debut a completely new design with a considerably decreased weight. It would function a strong, Mac-grade processor and a cheaper price level. Mass manufacturing is projected to start within the second half of 2028.
- Apple XR Glasses: Whereas the product will function voice management and gesture recognition like the corporate’s first sensible glasses, this extra superior model will add a colour Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) show with waveguide optics. AI will apparently be important to the machine’s success. Mass manufacturing is scheduled for the second half of 2028. A number of different manufacturers are anticipated to launch related merchandise earlier than Apple to determine early market presence, however as a result of nature of this class of units as early know-how, these merchandise will in all probability stay area of interest choices over their first few years of existence.
We focus on our ideas on every of those units, how they’re prone to match into Apple’s lineup, and the way clients could reply. In mild of Samsung’s announcement of the extremely skinny Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 this week, we additionally contact on Apple’s foldable iPhone plans. The MacRumors Present has its personal YouTube channel, so be sure to’re subscribed to maintain up with new episodes and clips.
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