
Ming-Chi Kuo: It is expected that Apple will launch the Apple Vision series and smart glasses products starting in 2027

Ming-Chi Kuo expects Apple to start releasing the Apple Vision series and smart glasses products in 2027, believing that head-mounted devices are the next consumer electronics trend. Apple currently has at least 7 projects in development, of which 5 have confirmed timelines. It is expected that shipments of smart glasses will reach 3-5 million units in 2027, with a market size potentially exceeding 10 million units. Apple's competitive advantage in this field lies in its hardware development capabilities and ecosystem integration, but it faces challenges from AI-driven systems
According to Zhitong Finance APP, Tianfeng International analyst Guo Mingqi recently stated that Apple (AAPL.US) is not expected to launch any new head-mounted devices in 2026 and plans to release multiple products starting in 2027. He pointed out that Apple views head-mounted devices as the next key trend in consumer electronics, with at least seven projects currently under development, including three in the Vision series and four in the smart glasses series. Among them, five products have confirmed development timelines, while two products are yet to be determined.
The first product to be mass-shipped among Apple's head-mounted devices is expected to be smart glasses similar to Ray-Ban, with an estimated shipment volume of 3-5 million units or more in 2027. The market size for this type of smart glasses in 2027 could exceed 10 million units due to Apple's entry, marking a noteworthy new trend.
Guo Mingqi also stated that Apple's competitive advantage in the Vision series and smart glasses stems from its strong hardware development capabilities and ecosystem integration, with the main challenges being AI-driven systems and software.
At the same time, he noted that several brands are expected to launch products ahead of Apple's smart glasses to seize opportunities and gain exposure, but with room for improvement in technology and design, it is anticipated that such products will only be niche products in the next two years.
Here is Apple's specific product roadmap:
1. Vision Series:
Vision Pro M5 version: Planned for mass production in the third quarter of 2025, with an expected shipment volume of 150,000-200,000 units in 2025, upgrading the processor from M2 to M5, while other specifications remain unchanged.
Vision Air: Planned for mass production in the third quarter of 2027, featuring a completely new design, significantly lighter weight, reducing weight by over 40% compared to Vision Pro, equipped with Apple's latest iPhone processor, and priced significantly lower than Vision Pro.
All-new Vision Pro second generation: Expected to be mass-produced in 2028, featuring a completely new design, significantly lighter weight, and equipped with Mac-level processors.
2. Smart Glasses Series:
Apple's smart glasses, similar to Meta Ray-Ban, are planned for mass production in the second quarter of 2027, with an expected shipment volume of 3-5 million units or even more, supporting voice control and gesture control, as well as audio playback, video recording, and AI environmental awareness.
XR glasses: Planned for mass production in 2028