Apple reportedly developing 7 new headsets to make AR more useful and everyday

Apple is working on something big. Not one, not two, but seven different headsets and smart glasses are in development, according to a growing number of reliable reports.

The company hasn’t made a public announcement, but if the timelines are accurate, the first of these devices will arrive before the end of 2025.

That might sound like just another tech launch in a year already flooded with gadgets. But this one’s different.

Apple is laying the foundation for a future where augmented reality isn’t a novelty or a luxury, it’s just something you wear like AirPods or an Apple Watch.

Discover what’s brewing behind the scenes and how these seven upcoming devices could redefine everyday tech before they even launch. Dive deeper into the next evolution of augmented reality.

But what is Apple actually building?

Apple Vision Series and Smart Glasses Roadmap (2025–2028): Smart Glasses Set to Drive the Next Wave in Consumer Electronics

Full story: https://t.co/41Moxlj1Ai pic.twitter.com/U2nQhBmEYg

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) June 29, 2025

According to long-time Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company’s upcoming lineup is split across two categories.

The first is an evolution of the Vision Pro, Apple’s premium mixed reality headset. Three new models are in the pipeline, each with different levels of performance, weight, and price. These are meant to deliver immersive virtual environments, spatial computing, and high-end experiences.

The second category is where things get really interesting. Apple is working on four smart glasses models, designed to be lighter, simpler, and better suited to everyday life.

Instead of full-on VR immersion, they’re aimed at navigation, hands-free communication, and real-time information layered over the real world.

This two-pronged strategy means Apple isn’t just chasing gamers or creative pros. It’s targeting regular people. Commuters. Cyclists. Shoppers. Teachers. Anyone who might use AR casually or daily.

Here’s the twist…

Apple has spent years sitting out the early AR wars. Meta, Snap, and Google all tried to make smart glasses stick. So far, none of them really have.

Apple’s approach looks different. Instead of releasing one experimental product and seeing what happens, it’s building a coordinated lineup from the start.

And the company isn’t just copying what’s already out there. It’s rethinking the whole form factor. One of the devices in development, dubbed the Vision Air, will reportedly be 40 percent lighter than the Vision Pro.

Apple is replacing heavy materials like glass and titanium with plastic and magnesium alloy. It’s also cutting down on sensors to keep costs down.

This isn’t just about comfort. It’s about pushing AR into the mainstream.

What’s coming first?

If the timelines hold, the first new headset will be an upgraded Vision Pro with a new M5 chip, scheduled for mass production in the third quarter of 2025. Kuo estimates Apple could ship around 150,000 to 200,000 units by the end of the year.

But don’t expect a full redesign just yet. This version is expected to feature an M4-series spec bump for modest performance gains. It’s more of a stepping stone than a leap.

Why is Apple making smart glasses?

While headsets like the Vision Pro are flashy and powerful, they’re still bulky and expensive. You’re not going to wear one while walking down the street.

That’s why Apple is betting big on smart glasses. The company wants a device that’s light enough to wear all day and subtle enough not to feel weird in public.

One of the first models won’t even have a display. Instead, it will offer features like:

• Audio playback through the arms of the glasses
• Voice control using Siri
• Gesture recognition for touch-free commands
• AI-powered object detection
• Photo and video capture for quick, hands-free media

It sounds futuristic, but this kind of device is meant to blend in. Think of it as a hybrid between AirPods, a fitness tracker, and a wearable camera.

And Apple isn’t stopping there. It’s also working on two versions of smart glasses with built-in color displays, which could overlay maps, messages, or directions right onto your field of view. Those are expected to launch in 2028 or later.

There’s also a mystery device in the mix

One of the most unusual projects is a wired display accessory. This headset would connect directly to a Mac or iPhone and act like a portable external monitor. It was originally shelved in 2024 because of weight issues and a lack of standout features.

But now, Apple might bring it back with a new design, possibly launching it in 2026.

It’s not as exciting as smart glasses, but it could be useful for people who want a private, high-resolution display for watching videos, reading, or working in tight spaces like planes or offices.

What are experts saying?

According to Kuo and other industry analysts, Apple’s strategy is clear. The company wants to create a full spectrum of AR devices, with options for every type of user. Some will be expensive and high-performance. Others will be light, affordable, and simple.

This mirrors how Apple handles its other product lines. There’s a MacBook Air and a MacBook Pro. An iPhone SE and an iPhone 15 Pro Max. A regular iPad and a high-end iPad Pro.

It’s not just about tech specs. It’s about giving users different entry points into a new way of interacting with the world.

And Apple’s ecosystem is what ties it all together. These devices will likely run on visionOS, Apple’s spatial computing platform. They’ll connect seamlessly with iPhones, Macs, and cloud services. That kind of integration is something other AR companies have struggled to match.

The big question is whether people are ready?

Despite Apple’s reputation and design chops, AR still hasn’t gone fully mainstream. Most people don’t use it every day. Some don’t see the point at all.

And there are still major hurdles to overcome:

• Price: The Vision Pro launched at $3,499, and even the lighter Vision Air could cost more than a new iPhone.

• Comfort: No matter how light they get, wearing something on your face for hours is still a big ask.

• Content: There’s a chicken-and-egg problem here. Developers won’t build great apps until enough people buy the hardware. But most people won’t buy the hardware unless there’s something amazing to use it for.

Apple’s betting that with the right mix of style, usability, and ecosystem polish, it can break through that cycle.

What happens next?

The first major launch is expected later this year. After that, it’s going to be a steady drip of new devices, likely spread out between 2025 and 2028.

If all goes to plan, Apple will have at least seven distinct AR products on the market before the end of the decade.

Some will feel like glasses. Others will look more like VR headsets. But together, they’ll push augmented reality out of the lab and into daily life.

And unlike previous attempts by other companies, these won’t be one-size-fits-all. They’ll be personal, practical, and wearable.

Which means that within a few years, you might not just be checking your phone. You might be wearing it.

Conclusion: What should you keep an eye on?

• Apple is developing seven AR and VR devices, aiming to bring mixed reality into everyday use.

• The lineup includes upgraded Vision headsets and lightweight smart glasses, with launches planned through 2028.

• A new Vision Pro with an M5 chip is expected in late 2025, followed by the more affordable Vision Air in 2027.

• Smart glasses with voice, gesture, and AI features could ship as early as 2027, competing with Meta’s Ray-Bans.

• WWDC 2026 or 2027 may preview visionOS upgrades and introduce developer tools for AR.

• Experts say Apple’s tight ecosystem and design focus could give it an edge as rivals race to catch up.

• If Apple succeeds, AR may not just be a tech trend but a normal part of how we live and work.

The bottom line? This is no longer about one headset. Apple is building a world where AR fits into everything you do, from work to fitness to simple everyday tasks.

The glasses are coming. The only question is whether we’re ready to put them on.

Recommended:

• Apple Considers Adding AI Search to Safari
• Apple and Google hit by huge password leak
• Choosing the Best Apple Watch for 2025

This story was created with AI assistance and human editing.