Apple is taking grand steps in its product lineup and 2025 is turning out to be a game-changer. In the middle of it all there is the long-term vision of a company in wearables and smart devices, in particular Apple Glasses. As per the analysis by Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is producing at least seven head-worn devices, i.e. smart glasses, and various types of VisionRay-Ban-style smart glasses will be the first to market, launching in 2027. They’ll feature audio, video recording, and AI functionality, but no built-in display.
Apple also has a more affordable, more mass-marketed and less heavy Vision Air headset and an upgraded second-generation Vision Pro in a Mac-level chip planned by 2028. LCoS XR glasses are under development too, having full AI support. Nevertheless, other projects, such as the tethered display accessory, have been shelved. It is evident that Apple is not in a hurry, but the time is running out against the competition of Meta, Google, and Samsung.
In the meantime, iOS 26 is going to arrive this autumn, featuring a new Liquid Glass design and the UI overhaul, the largest one by Apple in several years. Even buttons, notifications, and icons assume an elegant translucent appearance. It is not exactly superficial. Such features as Live Translate, Polls in group messages, and Hold Assist in the phone app are there to make the iPhone smarter and more helpful.
However, not all iPhones will have these features. Phones such as iPhone XR and XS are to be dropped. This might compel a minority of customers to upgrade, particularly with new iPhones in the near future; those are due in September.
The watch OS 26 is updated significantly as well. Apple is about to make use of AI with a new Workout on Apple Watch and smarter responses in Messages and Live Translation. The new design of liquid glass makes the watch more polished.
AirPods are not an exception, they are becoming smarter as well as being the subject of updates that make it possible to control photos and record at studio quality. These changes, combined, demonstrate one of Apple’s strategies: they become more integrated, more smartly designed, and easier to use across devices.
