Apple will launch a number of head-mounted AR and VR merchandise in 2027, with an upgraded Imaginative and prescient Professional headset dropping later this yr, in line with a report from revered analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities on Monday.
There are three Imaginative and prescient collection merchandise at present in growth together with 4 pairs of sensible glasses. A Ray-Ban Meta-style sensible product will see 3-5 million shipments in 2027. Apple expects to ship out greater than 10 million AR/VR merchandise in 2027, suggesting the corporate sees this as the following main client tech class.
Later this yr, nevertheless, Apple will launch the Imaginative and prescient Professional M5 Model, which is able to see an improve from Apple’s M2 chip.
In 2027, Apple will launch a lighter Imaginative and prescient Air that’ll function a 40% discount in weight and shall be powered by the most recent iPhone processor. A second-generation Imaginative and prescient Professional is slated for 2028 with a model new and “considerably lighter” design at a lower cost. On the sensible glasses finish, a mass market displayless pair of frames will see a 2027 launch. For these wanting an XR expertise, prolonged actuality glasses with a built-in see-through coloration show will come out in 2028 and people will function AI connectivity.
Apple did not instantly reply to a request for remark.
Sensible glasses market continues to develop
The worldwide sensible glasses market was valued at $1.93 billion in 2024 and is projected to rise to $8.26 billion by 2030, in line with Grand View Analysis. It is why many gamers in Large Tech are leaping in on creating the following technology of wearable know-how.
Meta, together with its Ray-Ban and Oakley-branded sensible glasses, has proven off its Orion prototype, that includes a clear show that may undertaking info on the lens.
Earlier this yr, Google unveiled Android XR, its new AR and VR platform, together with glasses made in collaboration with Qualcomm and Samsung. Chipmaker Nvidia can also be engaged on AI fashions to assist the sensible glasses expertise.
On this race, Meta has probably the most to realize because it does not personal a telephone or computing platform and is basically beholden to rule modifications from Apple, Microsoft and Google. Nonetheless, gaining a footing within the AR and VR area might enable it to personal each a {hardware} and software program stack in sensible glasses market.
However Apple has large model loyalty, and entrance into this area can be a significant menace to Meta’s present market dominance. In the mean time, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses have bought two million items and its Quest VR headset have additionally pushed 20 million items.
