Apple is reportedly doubling down on its spatial computing efforts, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicating that two new headsets are currently in development. These include the Apple Vision Pro 2 that aims to be both cheaper and lighter, alongside an entirely new headset designed to be tethered to a Mac.
Gurman, who has a strong track record in accurately reporting on Apple’s future product plans, outlined these developments in his latest weekly newsletter. His previous reports accurately detailed many aspects of the original Apple Vision Pro well before its official unveiling.
Apple Vision Pro 2: Focusing on Affordability and Comfort
While earlier reports from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested a more modest refresh of the Vision Pro with the unannounced M5 chip, Gurman now indicates that Apple is aiming for more significant changes. The primary focus for this successor appears to be addressing the two major criticisms of the current model: its high price and substantial weight.
The current Apple Vision Pro, priced at \$3,499, has been a barrier for many consumers. Gurman’s report suggests that Apple is actively working to bring the cost down, although the exact price point remains undisclosed. Similarly, while the current headset’s weight (around 600-650 grams) has raised concerns about user comfort during extended use, the next iteration is expected to be noticeably lighter.
While Gurman doesn’t provide a specific timeline for the release of this new Vision Pro, his report contradicts a recent claim from a Chinese source suggesting that mass production has already begun. Kuo had previously estimated that mass production of an M5-equipped Vision Pro would commence in the latter half of 2025. Apple claims that its M4 chip offers a 50% faster CPU and four times more powerful GPU compared to the M2, hinting at a significant performance leap for the M5-powered Vision Pro 2.
Mac-Tethered Headset: A New Approach to Spatial Computing
In a separate development, Gurman reaffirmed his earlier report from January about the cancellation of transparent AR glasses that would have connected to a Mac. Instead, Apple is now reportedly pursuing a different strategy: a Mac-tethered headset with an opaque, VR-style display system, similar to the existing Vision Pro.
This new headset concept suggests a device primarily designed for Mac users, potentially offering a more focused and potentially cheaper spatial computing experience. By offloading processing power to the connected Mac, Apple might be able to produce a significantly lighter and more affordable headset compared to the standalone Vision Pro. While details remain scarce, this could position the headset as a single-purpose device optimized for Mac-related tasks and applications. This approach could also address latency concerns that might arise with a purely wireless connection, making it suitable for professional applications requiring real-time responsiveness, such as viewing medical imaging during surgery or using flight simulators.
Tim Cook’s AR Glasses Ambition
Gurman’s report also highlights Apple CEO Tim Cook’s strong focus on delivering “industry-leading” AR glasses before Meta. Citing a source, Gurman states that this is Cook’s top priority, with significant time being dedicated to its development.
Despite this ambition, Gurman reiterates that true AR glasses are still “many years” away from being a viable product. He had previously reported in 2023 that Apple had indefinitely postponed its standalone AR glasses project due to substantial engineering challenges. However, the company is reportedly continuing its work on microLED displays, a crucial component for future AR glasses.
The positive reception to Meta’s Orion AR glasses prototype within the tech industry may have spurred Apple’s renewed focus on this area, motivating them to accelerate their efforts to deliver a groundbreaking AR experience.
If Gurman’s insights prove accurate, Apple is strategically addressing the current limitations of the Vision Pro while simultaneously laying the groundwork for its long-term vision in augmented reality. The introduction of a cheaper, lighter Vision Pro 2 and a Mac-tethered headset could broaden the appeal of spatial computing, while the unwavering commitment to AR glasses suggests Apple’s intent to be a major player in the next generation of personal computing.
