Apple’s foray into the XR wearable segment may not have reached the same heights as the iPhone or Apple Watch, but the company isn’t backing down. While plans for a cheaper headset might have been delayed, the Vision Pro is set for a successor within a year or two.
According to Mark Gurman’s PowerOn newsletter, Apple is targeting a release window between Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 for the second-generation Vision Pro headset. This timeline aligns with the launch of updated iPhones and occasional Mac hardware releases.
While Apple is experimenting with various design ideas, Gurman claims one iteration would retain the same external appearance as its predecessor. This approach aligns with Apple’s history of iterating internally on hardware without drastic external changes, as seen in its iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch portfolios.
This conservative design approach makes sense for the Vision Pro successor, given the headset’s sophisticated engineering. Maintaining the fundamental architecture allows for targeted upgrades, such as increased processing power and refined software, while minimizing R&D costs.
Speaking of upgrades, the Vision Pro 2 is expected to feature an M5 silicon chip, a powerful upgrade from the M2. Apple is currently busy rolling out the M4 series processors for its Mac lineup, a process that will continue into 2025. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the next Vision Pro will enter production in the second half of 2025, coinciding with the M5 chip transition.
Another significant upgrade rumored for the Vision Pro 2 is the integration of Apple Intelligence. This suggests Apple is aiming to enhance the headset’s capabilities with AI-powered features.
Simultaneously, Apple has begun internal research on smart glasses. This move follows the recent unveiling of smart glasses by Meta and Snap, both focusing on interactive AR applications. Apple’s entry into this space indicates its desire to compete in the burgeoning AR landscape.
Gurman suggests Apple could approach the smart glasses market in various ways, potentially even creating a glasses version of its popular AirPods.
While Apple remains tight-lipped about its future XR ambitions, these reports offer a glimpse into the exciting developments brewing behind the scenes. As we approach 2025, the anticipation for the next-generation Vision Pro and Apple’s foray into smart glasses intensifies.
