The Vision Pro 2 might pack more upgrades than previously rumored. Instead of a minor spec bump, Apple could make the headset lighter and cheaper.
This would address two of the biggest complaints with Apple’s first mixed-reality headset.
Vision Pro 2 could pack bigger upgrades than anticipated
Despite packing impressive cutting-edge hardware and innovative capabilities, the Vision Pro failed to click with consumers. This is not surprising since the first iteration of the headset seemed to target developers more. Its steep $3,500 price tag, bulky design and limited use cases did not help either.
While the Vision Pro did not sell in huge numbers, rumors suggest Apple could refresh the headset later this year. It would seemingly be a minor update, replacing the M1 chip with a faster M5 SoC. However, a new report claims Apple may be planning bigger changes now.
Following recent changes to Siri’s leadership team, Apple no longer has a Vision Products Group. Instead, Mike Rockwell — now also leading the Siri team — looks after the Vision Pro’s software engineering. Paul Meade and others look after the hardware aspects of the headset, reporting directly to John Ternus.
These changes bring the Vision Pro’s development in line with other Apple devices, including the iPhone and iPad.
The new leadership wants to make bigger changes to the Vision Pro 2 headset than initially planned. In this weekly Power On newsletter, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reveals, “the new plan is to release a model that makes the headset both lighter and cheaper.” However, it’s unclear how the company will achieve this.
A lower price could force Apple to use cheaper components on the Vision Pro 2, negatively affecting the overall experience.
Tim Cook wants to beat Meta to smart glasses
Tim Cook ultimately envisions Apple creating true augmented reality glasses, like the ones Tony Stark wore in some Marvel films. He appears committed to making this a reality and wants to beat Meta to market.
“Tim cares about nothing else. It’s the only thing he’s really spending his time on from a product development standpoint,” reveals one of Gurman’s sources. But with true AR glasses still years away, only time will tell if Apple can beat Meta to the finish line.
On its part, Meta could launch futuristic smart glasses with a display and hand gestures later this year.