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Apple is reportedly set to unveil a next-generation external monitor, possibly a successor to the Studio Display, in early 2026. This information comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who indicates that this new monitor, codenamed J427, will debut alongside the anticipated M5 chip Macs. Gurman previously noted that Apple was intensifying efforts to develop a new Studio Display for 2026, but his latest report provides a more specific launch timeframe. Interestingly, he avoids calling it a new Studio Display, leaving open the possibility that the updated monitor may carry a different name.

Additionally, Gurman had mentioned another model, also in development under the codename J527. This hints that Apple could be working on two distinct monitors or a single model with varying specifications or screen sizes. There is speculation that one of these could be a new version of the high-end Pro Display XDR, which has not seen an update since its release in 2019. Though specifics about new features or enhancements for the Studio Display’s successor have not been disclosed, display analyst Ross Young mentioned that a 27-inch monitor with mini-LED backlighting is on Apple’s agenda.

This technology promises improved brightness and contrast compared to the current Studio Display, which uses standard LED backlighting. For context, the Studio Display, launched in March 2022 alongside the Mac Studio, boasts a 5K resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, 600 nits of brightness, a built-in camera and speakers, as well as various connectivity options, starting at a price of $1,599. As anticipation builds, many are eager to see how Apple will innovate in its next generation of monitors.

In this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, we explore Apple’s future plans for Vision headsets and smart glasses over the next few years. Recently, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo leaked a comprehensive roadmap detailing the company’s Vision and smart glasses initiatives until the end of the decade. Following this, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman provided further insights on the anticipated launch of the new Vision Pro. In 2025, Apple is expected to release the Apple Vision Pro (M4), an updated version of the first-generation headset.

It will feature the M4 chip and an improved Neural Engine, along with a new head strap aimed at enhancing comfort. This model will not be classified as a second generation but will serve to support Apple’s ecosystem and maintain market presence, with mass production expected in Q3 of 2025. The year 2026 is slated to see no new Vision or smart glasses products released. However, in 2027, we anticipate the debut of Apple Smart Glasses, designed similarly to Meta Ray-Bans.

These smart glasses will include voice control, gesture recognition, audio playback, and photography capabilities, without a display. Production is set for Q2 2027, with a projected shipment of three to five million units. Additionally, the Apple Vision Air will also launch in 2027, boasting a lighter design and featuring the latest iPhone processor rather than an M-series chip. By 2028, a true second-generation Vision Pro and more advanced Apple XR Glasses are expected, with capabilities like a color display and AI integration.

Throughout the episode, we share our thoughts on these developments and discuss how they may fit into Apple’s broader product lineup. As developments unfold, we also touch on Apple’s potential foldable iPhone plans in light of recent industry announcements. Be sure to subscribe to The MacRumors Show for weekly updates and discussions.

In the early to mid-1990s, Apple unveiled a variety of unique products, including printers, digital cameras, a video game console, and a PDA. However, upon Steve Jobs’ return in 1997, many of these offerings were discontinued, allowing Apple to refocus and avoid bankruptcy.

For longtime readers of *MacRumors*, the peculiarities of Apple’s 1990s era may be well-known. However, for newer followers, revisiting this period can be intriguing.

Here’s a look at five distinctive Apple products from the 1990s, like the QuickTake, Newton eMate 300, Studio Display, StyleWriter, and Pippin. While notable products like the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh and Newton MessagePad exist, these selections are often less recognized today.

The Newton eMate 300, released in 1996, was designed as a classroom computer for children. It featured a colorful, durable casing, a 6.8-inch black-and-white touch screen, and a built-in keyboard.

Powered by a 25 MHz ARM processor and 3 MB of RAM, it provided basic computing functions. However, Jobs discontinued the entire Newton line when he returned in 1997.

Another notable product from this era was the QuickTake, one of the first consumer digital cameras. Launched in 1994, it allowed users to store up to eight photos, though it lacked advanced features like manual focus.

The later QuickTake 200 model boasted improvements like a higher resolution and a removable storage card but ultimately struggled against competitors. In 1996, Apple also ventured into gaming with the Pippin, a hybrid console priced at $599.

It failed to find its market niche due to fierce competition from less expensive options like the PlayStation and Nintendo 64, leading to its cancellation by 1998. Apple’s Studio Display, first released in 1998, was an external monitor that featured a 15-inch LCD screen and a sleek design, setting the groundwork for future display technologies.

Lastly, the StyleWriter inkjet printer marked Apple’s foray into printing, though Jobs later discontinued all printer lines upon his return to Apple. Through these products, we catch a glimpse of a transformative period in Apple’s history, illustrating the company’s ongoing evolution and technological innovation.

Apple is reportedly developing a new line of smart glasses that could compete with Meta’s AI-enabled Ray-Bans. Recent rumors have intensified about these glasses, prompting discussions about the features and specifications we can expect. As it stands, the designs for Apple’s smart glasses are still in the early stages, with true lightweight augmented reality glasses potentially years away. The initial offering is expected to focus on smart glasses that forgo traditional display functions, instead utilizing cameras, speakers, sensors, and AI technology to enhance the user experience.

Like the Apple Watch and AirPods, these glasses will serve as an accessory to the iPhone, providing users with auxiliary features to lessen reliance on their devices. In terms of design, Apple aims to give users a variety of material and frame choices, allowing the glasses to double as a fashionable accessory. Options in frames will include both metal and plastic variants, with color selections available. The company is experimenting with 3D printing technology for production and is likely to support both standard and prescription lenses, similar to the custom lens ordering for the Vision Pro headset.

The smart glasses are anticipated to include microphones and cameras, as well as touch and voice-controlled functionalities. Users will have the ability to take photos, capture video, make calls, receive directions, and identify various elements in their surroundings. While some features will operate independently, certain functions will require connection to an iPhone. Pricing for the smart glasses remains speculative but is expected to align with the costs associated with AirPods or the Apple Watch.

Analysts suggest a potential launch between 2026 and 2027. Future iterations of the glasses could eventually integrate augmented reality, which remains a significant aspiration for Apple.