And according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device might be here by late 2025 or early 2026, bringing significant internal upgrades to boost performance. The new model is expected to feature Apple’s advanced M5 chip, marking a shift from the M2 in the original Vision Pro, which, despite its powerful specs, felt quickly outdated as newer chips were released.
No cheaper Vision Pro?
Initially, Apple had also considered a budget version of the Vision Pro headset, anticipated to retail around $2,000 with scaled-back features. However, recent insights from Apple’s supply chain analysts and insiders suggest that plans for this affordable alternative have been suspended, possibly due to concerns over whether a lower-cost model would create enough demand. Instead, Apple is prioritising premium improvements to the Vision Pro line, with the upcoming headset aimed at providing a highly immersive augmented reality experience.
About Vision Pro 2
In terms of design, the Vision Pro 2 is expected to closely resemble its predecessor, maintaining the original model’s sleek, high-end look, yet bringing a more powerful experience. Externally, few changes are expected, but the internal shift to the M5 processor will be pivotal for Apple’s AR ambitions, potentially making this one of the most advanced headsets available. Apple’s strategy here is clear: to bridge the gap between regular releases and keep the Vision Pro line competitive.
On the software front, Apple is expected to roll out updates like the visionOS 2.2, which introduces new Mac display options in AR.
Apple entering smart glasses market?
On a related note, the Vision Pro 2 doesn’t seem to be the only wearable device that Apple is working on. A couple of days back, reports of Apple working on Meta Ray Ban-like smart glasses had also surfaced.
A Bloomberg report had also said that Apple was conducting internal research to develop these smart glasses. The study, led by the company’s Product Systems Quality team, sought employee feedback to understand the potential of smart glasses and their key features.
According to the report, this internal survey asked participants to evaluate existing smart glasses available on the market.
The feedback collected from these focus groups will reportedly be crucial for Apple as it looks to understand the demand and fine-tune features that could be incorporated into its product. While it’s still early in the process, these developments suggest that Apple is planning to enter the smart glasses market in the next few years, with a product that may directly compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses.
If these smart glasses are developed, they could serve as an upgrade to Apple’s existing wearable ecosystem. The glasses would expand Apple’s range, offering a more immersive and interactive experience for users. Given Apple’s reputation for creating seamless and integrated experiences, these smart glasses could become an essential part of its growing wearable portfolio.