Apple forecasts smart glasses for 2027 and mixed-reality headset

Apple Glass Timeline and Initial Feature Set

Apple plans to introduce its initial smart glasses without a visual display screen by the end of 2027. This timeline has remained consistent across multiple reports, including a September 2025 forecast by Gurman and a June 2025 shipping schedule prediction by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The first iteration of Apple Glass is expected to integrate audio playback, built-in camera sensors, and artificial intelligence capabilities—functioning similarly to Meta's current audio-and-camera eyewear partnerships—while omitting a video feedback display until a later hardware release.

Future of the Vision Pro and Codename N224

Beyond the standalone smart glasses, Apple’s hardware teams are actively exploring a completely revamped mixed-reality headset carrying the internal codename N224. Engineers have evaluated four distinct design concepts for this device, which includes studying whether to offload heavy internal computing components into an external tethered puck. However, internal resistance remains high among senior staff members who consider the tethered battery configuration of the original Apple Vision Pro to be a subpar user experience.

Developing an all-in-one headset that is both significantly cheaper and lighter than its predecessor presents a major engineering hurdle. Consequently, the project remains on limited support, with Gurman projecting a possible market release between late 2028 and early 2029 if the hardware clears development milestones.