Apple CEO Tim Cook took the stage at Apple Park today to unveil Vision Air — a pair of augmented reality glasses that weigh just 80 grams and are virtually indistinguishable from ordinary designer sunglasses.
The announcement represents a dramatic evolution from the bulky Vision Pro headset, with Apple achieving a form factor that industry analysts have called "the iPhone moment for AR."
Vision Air features transparent holographic displays, spatial audio, eye tracking, and Apple's new M5 Neural chip. Battery life is rated at 6 hours of continuous use, powered by a miniaturized cell integrated into the temple arms.
"We've always believed that the best technology is technology that disappears," Cook said during the keynote. "Vision Air is so comfortable, so natural, that you forget you're wearing it."
The glasses support full iOS integration, allowing users to see notifications, navigation directions, and translated text overlaid on the real world. A new "Spatial Apps" platform enables developers to create immersive AR experiences.
Pricing starts at $1,499, significantly below the $3,499 Vision Pro, signaling Apple's intent to reach a mainstream audience. Pre-orders open April 15, with shipping beginning in June.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley called the launch "transformative," projecting 15 million units sold in the first year.