Apple Continues to Focus on Developing Smart Spectacles
Apple's future product lineup, particularly in the realm of AR and VR, is shaping up to be quite intriguing. This year, we're anticipating Apple's pricey niche product, the Vision Pro, to be joined by a less expensive, less capable Vision headset, as reported by tech guru Mark Gurman. Simultaneously, Apple's AR-focused Vision Group is reportedly developing a pair of smart glasses that could potentially rival Meta's Ray Bans.
These smart glasses won't feature a head-up display like the Vision Pro, but they'll likely have the capability to produce audio, take pictures using their cameras, and use AI to detect objects in the world, a feature Meta's smart glasses have already incorporated. However, Apple's glasses won't be a full pair of AR glasses; Meta is rumored to be releasing an AR device with a single lens and projection display this September.
Moving on to Apple's iPhones, we can expect the iPhone 16 to roll out this year, featuring a redesigned screen size and possibly a dedicated camera control with depth sensing. Next year, we might see an iPhone model that sits between the regular and Pro models, which Gurman has dubbed the "iPhone Air."
Interestingly, Apple isn't currently working on true AR glasses, despite CEO Tim Cook's initial aspirations. However, reports suggest that Apple's next Vision headset could hit the market as early as 2025, with potential price reductions and improved specifications.
Data suggests that the Vision Pro Gen 2 will feature enhanced performance with M3 or M4 Apple chips, improved visuals with updated micro-OLED displays and pancake lenses, and a new design that reduces chassis weight and improves battery performance for user comfort. The cheaper Vision headset, on the other hand, is expected to hit shelves in 2026, priced similarly to a high-end iPhone, with cost-saving measures like using less powerful processors and cheaper materials.
As for Apple's AR glasses, they're still in the development phase and are expected to be released several years down the line, possibly in 2027 or later. These glasses aim to display information directly into the user's eyes, such as texts, emails, maps, and games, using a custom version of visionOS.
Meanwhile, Meta is also pushing ahead with its AR technology, with expectations of launching its first "real" AR glasses in 2027, complemented by higher-end Ray-Ban Meta-like AR glasses this year. Meta's AR glasses focus on practically applicable AR experiences and user interface design.
So, it seems both Apple and Meta are strategically advancing their augmented reality offerings, each offering practical applications and unique experiences that cater to their respective user bases.
Apple's tech giant Vision Group is reportedly producing smart glasses, aiming to compete with Meta's Ray Bans in the future. According to 9to5mac, Apple's glasses will have audio capabilities and AI object detection features. Despite Tim Cook's initial aspirations, Apple is currently not working on true AR glasses, focusing instead on redesigning its Vision Pro headset for a potential 2025 release.
Meta, on the other hand, is anticipated to launch its first "real" AR glasses in 2027, following its plans to introduce higher-end Ray-Ban Meta-like AR glasses this year. Meta's focus with its AR glasses is on practical AR experiences and user interface design.
As speculated by tech gurus, Apple's future product lineup includes a less expensive Vision headset set to hit the market in 2026, featuring cost-saving measures like using less powerful processors and cheaper materials.
In terms of smartphones, the iPhone 16 might roll out this year with a redesigned screen size and a possible dedicated camera control with depth sensing. A potential new iPhone model, dubbed the "iPhone Air," might be introduced next year, sitting between the regular and Pro models.
