Apple is gearing up for some exciting innovations, including smart glasses and AirPods with built-in cameras, potentially launching by 2027. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, these new devices are part of Apple’s broader strategy to expand its augmented reality (AR) offerings. While the Vision Pro headset debuted as a high-end AR device, Apple is now looking to create products that appeal to a wider audience, possibly positioning them as more accessible alternatives.
Apple’s Vision Pro Struggles and AR Expansion
The Vision Pro, which launched at $3,500, has faced several challenges. Many users find it heavy for prolonged use, expensive, and prone to overheating. As a result, the device has not performed as well as Apple hoped, with sales lagging behind expectations. With these setbacks, Apple’s Vision Products Group is exploring new ways to integrate AR into everyday devices, including smart glasses, similar to Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban.
The goal is to bring Apple’s sophisticated AR technology, developed through the Vision Pro, to more affordable and practical devices. This includes smart glasses and AirPods equipped with cameras, designed to use the advanced visual intelligence systems Apple has invested billions in. These devices would have the ability to analyze the surrounding environment and provide real-time information to users, enhancing daily experiences in a more wearable and convenient way.
Visual Intelligence: Bringing AR to More Devices
One of the key features of Apple’s upcoming AR efforts is the ability to gather and interpret visual data. A feature set to roll out with the iPhone 16 models later this year allows users to simply point their phone’s camera at an object, and by using a click-and-hold gesture, receive information about what they’re seeing. For example, pointing the phone at a restaurant could display its operating hours and customer reviews, while pointing it at a plant would identify the species. This AR-powered feature shows how visual intelligence can be applied to everyday scenarios, offering practical use cases for consumers.
The planned smart glasses and camera-equipped AirPods would extend this technology beyond phones, allowing users to access similar information directly through wearable devices. Apple seems determined to stay competitive in the AR space, especially as Meta has already launched smart glasses at a lower price point, capturing part of the market Apple hopes to enter.
Future Vision Pro Iterations
While Apple’s focus is shifting toward more affordable AR devices, the company hasn’t abandoned its high-end product line. Gurman suggests that a lower-cost version of the Vision Pro could be released as early as next year, potentially priced around $2,000. This version would cater to users who are interested in the Vision Pro’s features but find the current price tag too steep. Additionally, a second-generation Vision Pro with a more powerful processor is reportedly in the works, with a targeted release in 2026.
iPhone SE 4 Case Leak: What We Know So Far
Meanwhile, Apple’s iPhone SE 4, expected to launch in spring 2025, has also seen leaks about its design. Notable leaker Sonny Dickson shared images of a case designed for the upcoming device, sparking speculation about its features. The SE 4 is rumored to resemble the iPhone 14, with an all-screen design and Face ID instead of Touch ID. It may come with a 6.06-inch OLED display, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a USB-C port, an Apple-designed 5G modem, and 8GB of RAM.
However, one point of contention is whether the iPhone SE 4 will feature the Action button, which replaced the mute switch in Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro models. The leaked case image shows a cutout above the volume buttons that might be for a traditional mute switch, indicating that Apple may not include the Action button on the SE 4. This could be a disappointment for some users, but most iPhone SE buyers may not be concerned about its absence.
In a survey earlier this year, many iPhone 15 Pro users mentioned that they barely used the Action button, often programming it to act as a mute switch. This suggests that while the Action button is a nice feature, it might not be a deal-breaker for most SE buyers.
Possible Release Date for iPhone SE 4
The iPhone SE 4 is most likely to be released in spring 2025, aligning with the release pattern of previous iPhone SE models. There is, however, a small chance that it could launch ahead of the Lunar New Year in January 2025, but historically, March has been the favored month for these launches.
Conclusion
Apple’s future looks exciting with the development of AR-enhanced products like smart glasses and AirPods with cameras, expanding the possibilities for augmented reality beyond the Vision Pro. While the Vision Pro has faced some challenges, Apple’s ongoing efforts to introduce more practical and accessible AR devices could reshape how people interact with technology in their everyday lives.
Alongside these innovations, the iPhone SE 4 continues to generate buzz, especially with its potential design features and a likely spring 2025 launch. As Apple looks ahead, these advancements could open up new possibilities in the world of augmented reality and smart devices.
