Apple's ambitious journey into augmented and mixed reality is taking shape, with exciting developments on multiple fronts. While the $3,499 Vision Pro headset is just the beginning, the tech giant is laying the groundwork for even more revolutionary products in the coming years.
Next-Gen Vision Pro: M5 Chip and AI Spatial Computing
According to respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to begin mass production of its second-generation Vision Pro headset in the latter half of 2025. This new iteration is expected to feature a significant upgrade: the yet-to-be-announced M5 chip. This powerful silicon is poised to deliver substantial performance improvements, particularly in AI-driven spatial computing capabilities.
The M5 chip will likely enable more advanced and intuitive human-machine interactions, combining Apple's AI technologies with the headset's existing eye-tracking and gesture control systems. Despite these enhancements, Kuo anticipates that Apple will maintain a similar pricing strategy to the current Vision Pro, as much of the existing hardware will remain unchanged.
AI-Powered AirPods: A Stepping Stone to Smart Glasses
In a separate but related development, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is working on a new generation of AirPods with built-in cameras and AI capabilities. These advanced earbuds could play a crucial role in Apple's long-term strategy for wearable AR technology.
The AI-equipped AirPods are expected to provide users with information about their surroundings, potentially utilizing Apple's AI assistant to process and deliver this data. While specific details are scarce, this technology could serve as a testbed for features that may eventually find their way into Apple's highly anticipated smart glasses.
The Long Road to Apple Smart Glasses
Despite these advancements, Apple CEO Tim Cook has acknowledged that true AR smart glasses remain a significant technological challenge. The company's ultimate goal is to create glasses that deliver iPhone-level performance while consuming only one-tenth of the power – a feat that's currently out of reach.
Industry insiders speculate that Apple's smart glasses may not see a release until 2027 or beyond. The company is taking a methodical approach, using products like the Vision Pro and AI-enhanced AirPods to refine its technologies and manufacturing processes.
While competitors like Meta have publicly showcased prototypes of their smart glasses concepts, Apple maintains its characteristic secrecy. The company seems content to perfect its technology behind closed doors rather than making premature announcements.
As the race for consumer-ready AR glasses heats up, Apple's strategy of incremental advancements across its product ecosystem may prove to be the key to eventual success in this nascent market. For now, tech enthusiasts and investors alike will be watching closely as Apple's vision for the future of computing continues to unfold.
