Apple’s smart glasses, among new products to hit market from 2027: analyst

Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) smart glasses are set to drive the next wave in consumer electronics, while the company is not expected to launch any new head-mounted devices in 2026, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

The U.S. tech giant has multiple product releases planned from 2027 onward, the analyst added.

The analyst said that before Apple launches display-enabled smart glasses, several brands are expected to release similar products to establish early market presence. However, due to the ongoing technological and design improvements needed, these products will likely remain niche offerings over the next two years.

Smart glasses

Among Apple’s head-mounted offerings, Ray-Ban-like smart glasses will likely be the first to achieve significant volume, with projected shipments of 3 million to 5 million units or more in 2027.

The company’s entry is expected to push total market shipments for this category beyond 10 million units in 2027, marking a significant emerging trend, the analyst added.

The glasses are expected to have multiple frame and temple material options, voice control and gesture recognition user interface. However, there would be no display functionality.

The device’s core features include — audio playback, camera, video recording, and AI environmental sensing.

The second type of smart glasses would be XR Glasses. Their mass production is slated for the second half of 2028.

These glasses are expected to have voice control and gesture recognition user interface. The display technology would be Liquid crystal on silicon, or LCoS, with waveguide, supporting color display, according to the analyst.

AI functionality critical to product success, the analyst noted.

Display Accessory: The product is originally scheduled for the second quarter of 2026 mass production.

Meta Platforms (META) already sells Ray-Ban branded smart glasses.

Vision Series (XR headset–type):

The analyst said that the Vision Pro M5 version is scheduled for mass production in the third quarter of 2025, with projected shipments of 150,000-200,000 units in 2025.

The processor would be upgraded to M5 from M2, while other specifications remain unchanged.

The Vision Air headset is slated for mass production in the third quarter of 2027.

The headset will feature all-new form factor and will be substantially lighter — over 40% weight reduction compared to Vision Pro. The weight reduction would be achieved through glass-to-plastic replacement, the analyst added

Vision Air will be powered by Apple’s latest flagship iPhone processor.

The Vision Pro second generation is expected to go into mass production in the second half of 2028.

It is expected to come at a lower price point, featuring a new design, and be significantly lighter. It is expected to have a Mac-grade processor.

Shares of Apple rose about 1% premarket on Monday.