News · Apple
Vision Air: Apple's Lighter, Cheaper AR Glasses Could Arrive by 2027
Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo forecasts a significantly lighter and more affordable Apple Vision Air hitting shelves in 2027. This follows previous predictions regarding a refreshed Vision Pro.
Apple Vision Pro headset with a blue-ish glow, hinting at future AR concepts
Apple is reportedly planning a more affordable and lighter augmented reality (AR) device, dubbed the 'Vision Air', slated for a 2027 release. This projection comes from renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has detailed Apple's product roadmap for the next three years.
UploadVR, reporting on July 2, 2025, highlights Kuo's consistent track record in forecasting Apple's supply chain movements. The outlet notes that while many of Kuo's predictions prove accurate, some do not materialize as anticipated. According to UploadVR, Kuo's latest report outlines Apple's strategic expansion in the AR/VR space.
Kuo's analysis, as presented by UploadVR, suggests an updated Vision Pro model will enter mass production in the second half of 2025. This refreshed headset is expected to incorporate an unannounced M5 chipset but 'mostly stay the same' in other aspects, according to Kuo's earlier statements in September of last year, reiterated in his current report. The outlet points out that the existing Vision Pro utilizes an M2 chip, a generation behind current Mac and iPad Pro processors, implying the M5 could offer a substantial performance upgrade.
Video: Apple on YouTube
However, UploadVR also references earlier reporting from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman that diverges from Kuo's assessment regarding the next Vision Pro iteration. While Gurman also predicted an M5-powered Vision Pro, he went further, stating in April that Apple was 'looking to go further' than a mere chip upgrade, aiming for a lighter design and a more accessible price point. UploadVR notes that Gurman did not provide specific figures for the weight reduction or price target.
Our take: The prospect of an 'Apple Vision Air' by 2027 underscores Apple's long-term commitment to the spatial computing market, moving beyond the premium, niche appeal of the Vision Pro. A lighter, more affordable device is crucial for broader consumer adoption and could significantly accelerate the mainstreaming of AR technology. The conflicting reports on the nature of the next Vision Pro's update illustrate the inherent challenges in forecasting Apple's closely guarded product development, but the consistent theme is a strategic push towards more accessible AR hardware.
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