Apple’s Smart Glasses Roadmap: Vision, Voice, and the Race for the Future

A Bold Vision for the Post-Smartphone Era

Apple is gearing up to redefine the future of wearable technology with a comprehensive roadmap that extends into 2028. At the core of this vision are at least seven head-mounted devices spanning two major product lines. From advanced AR/VR headsets to sleek smart glasses that resemble everyday eyewear, Apple appears determined to position itself at the forefront of what could become the next consumer tech revolution.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s latest forecast suggests that Apple’s plans are not just ambitious—they are aggressive. With multiple launches scheduled over the next three years, Apple’s strategy seems designed to gradually shift users away from handheld devices and toward immersive, AI-enhanced experiences that integrate naturally into daily life.

the Original Report

Apple is currently developing at least seven different head-mounted devices, split between two product categories: smart glasses and mixed reality headsets. According to tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company’s upcoming smart glasses, expected to resemble Ray-Ban sunglasses, are slated for mass production in Q2 2027, with an estimated 3 to 5 million units shipped in the first year. These glasses will support voice and gesture control, camera functionality, and AI-powered environment sensing, though they won’t have built-in displays—prioritizing lightweight usability over screen immersion.

This marks Apple’s entry into a space already touched by competitors like Meta. Kuo believes Apple’s launch could push global smart glasses shipments beyond 10 million units in 2027, helping turn the category into a mainstream phenomenon.

In the near term, Apple plans to refresh its Vision Pro headset with the M5 chip in Q3 2025. However, specs will remain largely the same, and unit shipments are projected between 150,000 and 200,000, positioning it as a niche product for developers rather than everyday consumers.

Looking to 2027, Apple plans to release the Vision Air, a lighter and more affordable version of the Vision Pro that weighs 40% less, achieved through plastic optics and magnesium alloy materials.

By 2028, Apple intends to launch its most advanced smart glasses, which will feature LCoS full-color displays and waveguide tech. These XR glasses will support both voice and gesture input and aim to serve as Apple’s premium product in this category. Kuo also mentions a secondary display-equipped model in development, though few details are available.

A previously considered display-only accessory for iPhones and Macs has been paused due to unresolved weight issues, but development could resume.

Apple’s overall goal is clear: establish dominance in the post-iPhone landscape by building a product ecosystem that merges hardware excellence with AI-driven software. The company is betting big on smart glasses becoming the next dominant tech trend.

What Undercode Say:

Apple’s roadmap

From a market strategy perspective, Apple is walking a fine line between innovation leadership and cautious market entry. Unlike Meta, which quickly released Ray-Ban-style smart glasses in partnership with Luxottica, Apple is holding back, perfecting both hardware and AI integration. This measured approach could mean the difference between fleeting hype and long-term market adoption.

The 2027 launch of Apple’s “display-less” smart glasses could be the inflection point. By focusing on AI-driven voice and gesture control, Apple seems to understand that the first wave of adoption doesn’t need full AR functionality. Instead, it prioritizes comfort, usability, and daily integration—features more likely to win over mainstream consumers.

Meanwhile, the Vision Air in 2027 seems like a smart pivot. The original Vision Pro, while powerful, suffered from critiques around weight, price, and niche use cases. By cutting 40% of the weight and likely reducing the price tag, Apple positions the Vision Air as a mass-market option without abandoning its core XR vision.

The 2028 XR smart glasses with LCoS displays and waveguides mark Apple’s true moonshot. These features would enable high-quality visuals embedded in everyday eyewear, merging AR with real-world environments in a seamless interface. However, success hinges on solving real challenges: weight distribution, heat dissipation, battery life, and—critically—developing AI companions and apps that offer real utility beyond novelty.

Apple’s pause on the “display accessory” for iPhones and Macs may suggest the company is reluctant to repeat past missteps like the Touch Bar or AirPower. But don’t count it out just yet; if weight issues are resolved, this could re-emerge as a modular AR bridge.

This long-term strategy reflects Apple’s recognition that the next computing paradigm is not just about hardware—it’s about the convergence of mobility, AI, and ambient interfaces. And while Meta, Samsung, and others try to claim early territory, Apple’s holistic ecosystem approach might give it the staying power to dominate.

🔍 Fact Checker Results:

✅ Ming-Chi Kuo is a credible Apple analyst with a reliable track record on hardware leaks and production timelines.

✅ Apple is confirmed to be working on the next Vision Pro hardware with internal discussions around lighter, cheaper models.

❌ Ray-Ban-style smart glasses by Apple have not been officially announced, and current details are based on leaks and analyst speculation.

📊 Prediction:

By 2028, Apple will likely release at least one display-equipped smart glasses product that integrates tightly with Siri and Apple ecosystem apps (Maps, Messages, Health). These will initially attract early adopters but, by 2029–2030, could replace iPhones as the primary daily computing interface for many users—especially in mobility and workplace productivity sectors. Expect Apple to debut AR-first software development kits (SDKs) by 2026 to prime developers for the transition.