Apple is poised to revolutionize its Vision Pro headset lineup with the introduction of two new models, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing its spatial computing capabilities.
The forthcoming Vision Pro 2 is slated to feature Apple’s upcoming M5 chip, a significant upgrade expected to bolster the device’s performance and extend its battery life. The current Vision Pro model is priced at $3,499 for 256 GB of storage in the US. Although Apple has not disclosed the exact pricing for Vision Pro 2, the company aims to make it more affordable than its predecessor. To address user concerns regarding the headset’s weight, which currently ranges between 600 g and 650 g depending on the headband configuration, Apple engineers are exploring the use of lighter alloys and redesigning the seal and cushion to enhance comfort during prolonged use. The objective is to bring the weight of Vision Pro 2 closer to that of competitors like Meta’s Quest 3, which weighs approximately 515 g.
In tandem with Vision Pro 2, Apple is developing a second headset tailored for a wired connection to a Mac. This specialized model is anticipated to utilize a high-bandwidth cable, such as Thunderbolt or a proprietary connector, to facilitate low-latency display streaming. While the current Vision Pro can already extend a Mac screen over Wi-Fi, professionals in fields such as surgical planning and flight simulation require consistent performance, which a wired connection can ensure. Apple’s enterprise team is positioning this wired model as a niche tool for professional users rather than a consumer device, highlighting its potential to cater to the needs of professionals who demand reliable and high-quality display streaming.
The current Vision Pro’s capability to extend a Mac screen over Wi-Fi is viewed as a precursor to more sophisticated applications. The wired version aims to deliver more consistent performance, thereby addressing the requirements of professionals who need dependable and high-quality display streaming.
Apple’s long-term vision remains centered on the development of augmented reality (AR) glasses that can overlay graphics on transparent lenses. CEO Tim Cook has identified this as a top priority, believing it is crucial for Apple’s success in spatial computing. To achieve this, the company is focused on overcoming key challenges, including shrinking the optics and improving light transmission. These advancements are seen as essential steps toward making AR glasses a reality.
