Vision Air: Apple's Lighter, Cheaper AR Glasses Could Arrive by 2027

Apple's roadmap for spatial computing is reportedly unfolding, with a consumer-friendly Vision Air headset potentially launching by 2027. This comes courtesy of analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo's latest briefing reiterates previous claims about an updated Vision Pro model in 2025. This refreshed headset would primarily feature an M5 chipset upgrade.

The M5 chip would represent a substantial leap from the M2. Apple's M4 chip boasts a 50% CPU increase and four times the GPU power over the M2, hinting at the gains an M5-equipped Vision Pro could deliver.

The real news lies in the potential 2027 debut of the Vision Air. Kuo suggests this variant will arrive with a significantly lower price point and over 40% weight reduction.

The Vision Pro, as it stands, is a premium, niche device, criticized for its weight and price tag. A sub-$2000, lighter alternative would change its market positioning.

Apple's strategy appears to involve a two-pronged approach: incremental updates to the pro-grade headset, followed by a more mainstream device. This mirrors their iPhone and Mac strategies.

While 2027 feels distant, the prospect of a genuinely light and affordable Apple spatial computer is compelling. Apple is taking time to deliver a polished consumer product.

This shift could mark the true beginning of Apple's impact on the smart glasses market.