Apple Gears Up for a New Generation of AR Devices
New reports from a well-regarded tech analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, have revealed that Apple intends to reenter the augmented reality space with a range of new devices in 2027. Kuo’s continued accuracy in previous predictions makes this future development extremely likely, and tech enthusiasts are cautiously excited about the next generation of AR potential.
Apple already made headway into the augmented reality space in 2024 with the Vision Pro, though reactions to the device were mixed. The system offered a high level of quality when compared to other systems, but the apps often fell short of delivering mass appeal. Still, it appears Apple isn’t giving up on the idea, betting on the future potential of AR and a new generation of more user-friendly design.
The Next Big Step
Kuo notes that there are five main devices on the horizon, the most exciting of which are built on lowering the weight and bulkiness of existing models. This illustrates essentially the dream functionality of AR devices, aiming towards ever-lighter and more mobile form factors. In theory, systems of these designs could replace traditional glasses and many smartphone functions, though they’re still many years away from being realised.
Still, the continued work of Apple to miniaturise and refine AR tech serves as the biggest hope that this technology could find mainstream appeal. They’re not the first in the space, but Apple technology has a way of bringing their concepts to the mainstream and driving mass acceptance. They did it with the iPhone and the iPad, and there’s a good chance they’ll be the biggest in the AR space too.
Finding a Market
With lower-cost, more powerful, and lighter tech a matter of time, the question remains of what Apple could manage to improve visibility and usefulness on the app front. It’s likely their suite of existing software will be ported over to new devices, but this alone won’t be enough.
Ultimately, the backbone of their new AR promise could be found by providing another way to engage with already flexible desktop and mobile software. Consider iGaming experiences like casino slots as an example. These games, like Bubblegum Burst and Monopoly Megaways already offer cutting-edge experiences on traditional browsers, and they’re played by huge international audiences. Simply ensuring the web browsers on Apple’s new systems can easily run experiences like this would give the average user a reason to switch to new AR platforms.
With a wide library of experiences and apps more easily available to users, gaining a market foothold would then rely on one other key concern – comfort. Even if Apple’s AR devices are lighter and less strenuous to wear, concerns about eye strain and motion sickness are still very real, and yet to be fully addressed by any AR tech developers.
All of this is to say that while there are some serious roadblocks in the way of AR finding a place as ubiquitous tech, Apple’s next moves are likely to take us at least a couple of steps closer. Their new systems might not yet replace your computer monitor or TV screen, but they don’t really need to. Apple is still moving AR forward, so if the devices fail to capture an audience, they’ll at least help show the way ahead for others.