Apple plans M5 Vision Pro mass production this year: Report

Apple is strategically pivoting towards head-mounted technology, viewing it as a pivotal evolution in consumer electronics. A report from KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo reveals that the tech titan has at least seven projects in the pipeline, including three new products in the Vision series and four variants of smart glasses. Among these projects, five have established development timelines, while two remain in limbo. The forthcoming Vision Pro is set to incorporate Apple’s next-generation M5 silicon, with mass production expected to commence in the third quarter of 2025. Kuo suggests that despite the upgrade, the Vision Pro may cater to a niche audience, focusing on sustaining Apple's market presence and furthering its ecosystem. Projected shipments for the Vision Pro in 2025 are estimated between 150,000 to 200,000 units. Although Kuo has not disclosed a specific launch date for the M5 version, he indicates that no new head-mounted devices are anticipated for release in 2026, hinting at a possible launch later this year for the updated Vision Pro. Kuo attributes Apple’s competitive edge in the Vision Pro series and smart glasses to its strong hardware development and ecosystem integration. However, the company faces challenges in creating an AI-driven operating system and supporting software. Looking ahead, Kuo forecasts that Apple will introduce several head-mounted devices in 2027, with five of these already on a confirmed schedule. As Apple looks to compete with the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, which are projected to achieve significant sales with shipments of 3 to 5 million units or more in 2027, it is clear that the company is entering a crowded market. Other brands are expected to launch similar offerings before Apple, aiming to capture early market share. Kuo anticipates that Apple’s entry will elevate total shipments in the category to over 10 million units by 2027, marking a significant milestone for head-mounted devices.