Apple Plans Two New Vision Pro Models and Smart Glasses

Apple is reportedly developing successors to its Vision Pro headset, which has faced challenges in the market since its launch in February 2024. Despite the headset's high price point and limited availability, the tech giant is expected to introduce two new models along with a set of smart glasses akin to those offered by Meta.

The current Vision Pro has been criticized for being both expensive and cumbersome, with a starting price of at least EUR4000 in Europe. This pricing strategy has restricted its market to early adopters, as acknowledged by Apple CEO Tim Cook. However, Cook remains optimistic about augmented reality (AR) and is focusing on enhancing future Apple products in this domain.

As per industry speculation, Apple is working on a lighter version of the Vision Pro, set to debut in early 2026. This new model will reportedly utilize titanium instead of aluminum, addressing concerns regarding the weight of the existing headset. In addition, Apple may introduce new color options and faster processing chips, with expectations for the M5 chip to be included, improving upon the current M2 chip used in the Vision Pro.

Another planned model aims to connect directly to Mac computers through tethering. This feature will allow professionals to utilize industry-specific applications on the Vision Pro without latency, a crucial requirement for many users. While details on additional features for this model remain unclear, it is anticipated to launch by the end of 2025, potentially ahead of the lighter variant.

The Vision Products Group (VPG), responsible for Vision Pro developments, has recently undergone significant personnel changes. Notably, Mike Rockwell, a key figure in the division, has transitioned to work on Apple's Siri project to accelerate the company's artificial intelligence initiatives. Despite these changes, research into genuine AR glasses continues to be a priority for Apple, as emphasized by Cook.

In conjunction with hardware developments, Apple is also expanding its content offerings for the Vision Pro. The company has recently released immersive videos, including a notable feature on the Pikes Peak race, enhancing the user experience and application of the headset.