Apple’s AR/VR Roadmap: Vision Pro 2, Vision Air, and Smart Glasses Coming by 2028

Despite the Vision Pro’s lukewarm reception, Apple remains committed to mixed reality, with plans for three new devices by 2028, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Here’s what’s coming—and when.

1. Vision Pro 1.5 (2025) – A Minor Upgrade

• Expected Launch: Late 2025
• Key Changes:
  • M5 chip (up from M2) for better performance.
  • Same design as the current Vision Pro.
• Purpose: A stopgap update before a full redesign.

2. Vision Air (2027) – A Lighter, Cheaper Alternative

• Expected Launch: Late 2027
• Key Features:
  • 40% lighter than Vision Pro (plastic instead of glass, more magnesium alloy).
  • iPhone-grade processor (not Mac-level, lowering cost).
  • Reduced sensors for a “significantly lower price.”
• Target Audience: Consumers unwilling to pay $3,500 for the Pro model.

3. Vision Pro 2 (2028) – The True Successor

• Expected Launch: Mid-2028
• Key Upgrades:
  • M5 chip (big leap over M2).
  • Redesigned, lighter form factor.
  • Lower price (though still premium).

4. Smart Glasses (2027–2028) – Apple’s Long-Term Bet

Phase 1: Ray-Ban-Style Glasses (2027)

• No displays—focused on audio, cameras, and AI environmental sensing.
• Voice/gesture controls.
• Projected sales: 3–5 million units in 2027 (far beyond Vision Pro’s niche appeal).

Phase 2: True AR Glasses (2028)

• Transparent lenses with augmented reality overlays.
• Sleek, everyday-wearable design (unlike bulky Vision Pro).

Why Apple Isn’t Giving Up

• Long-term vision: Tim Cook sees headsets/glasses as the “next major trend.”
• Gradual refinement: Apple is iterating toward lighter, cheaper, more practical devices.
• Market patience: Like the Apple Watch, AR/VR may need years to find mass appeal.

Challenges Ahead

• Price: Even a “cheaper” Vision Air may cost over $1,500.
• Competition: Meta, Google, and startups are racing toward AR glasses.
• Consumer skepticism: Will people embrace face computers beyond early adopters?

Final Thoughts

Apple’s 2025–2028 roadmap shows measured ambition—scaling back from the Vision Pro’s “kitchen sink” approach to focus on wearability, affordability, and practicality. The smart glasses (not the Vision Pro) may ultimately be the product that defines Apple’s AR future.

What to Watch

1. Late 2025: Vision Pro “1.5” (M5 update).
2. Late 2027: Vision Air (lightweight, cheaper).
3. 2028: Vision Pro 2 (redesign) + true AR glasses.

Will Apple succeed where others have struggled? The next few years will tell.