Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicate that the upcoming Apple Vision Pro 2 is set to be both lighter and more affordable, not merely featuring an upgraded chip. In addition, Apple is developing a Mac-connected headset.
Known for his credibility regarding Apple’s future product strategies, Gurman has accurately detailed numerous aspects of Apple Vision Pro’s technology prior to its launch.
In his most recent newsletter, Gurman asserts that Apple is actively preparing two new devices: a successor to the Vision Pro and a brand-new headset designed to pair with Mac.
Successor to Apple Vision Pro
In September, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the production of an updated Apple Vision Pro featuring an M5 chipset was anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2025.
Although the M5 chip remains unannounced, Apple has stated that the M4 offers a CPU that is 50% more powerful and a GPU that is four times stronger than the M2, hinting that the M5 variant could showcase a remarkable performance boost.
Kuo suggested that significant changes to the headset’s design or pricing are unlikely. Gurman now adds that while Apple had initially planned for a mere chip upgrade, they intend to push for more substantial advancements.
According to Gurman, the forthcoming Vision Pro will address its two main criticisms by being both lighter and more affordable.
The exact weight reduction and pricing details remain unspecified at this time.
He also refrains from pinpointing a release date, although a recent report from China claimed that mass production might already be underway.
Headset Tethered to Mac
Earlier this year, Gurman noted that Apple had abandoned plans for transparent AR glasses that required a connection to a Mac (initially, it was thought an iPhone would suffice), which were expected for a 2027 launch.
In his latest findings, he reconfirms this information and suggests that Apple is shifting towards a similar concept: a head-mounted device designed to connect to a Mac, incorporating a solid VR-style display akin to the Vision Pro.
While specifics are scarce, it appears this new device will be intended for a singular function, likely making it less expensive and significantly lighter than the standalone Vision Pro.
Tim Cook’s Focus on AR Glasses
Gurman further mentions that Apple CEO Tim Cook is increasingly determined to rollout “industry-leading” AR glasses ahead of Meta’s efforts.
A source quoted by Gurman claims, “Tim cares about nothing else,” emphasizing that AR glasses are “the sole focus of his efforts in product development.”
Despite this commitment, Gurman notes it may still take “many years” before AR glasses are fully developed. In 2023, he had reported a delay on Apple’s standalone AR glasses due to the technical hurdles in bringing them from conceptualization to reality, although the company continues to advance microLED technology for AR.
Additionally, Gurman has previously indicated that Meta’s Orion AR glasses prototype and the positive feedback they received from the tech community prompted Apple to reassess its own ambitions for the upcoming decade.
Should Gurman’s insights hold true, it seems that Tim Cook is relentless in his pursuit to position Apple as the leader in delivering the new “iPhone moment,” driven by the launch of successful true AR glasses.