Apple is preparing to update its Vision Pro headset lineup with two new models. The first one, known inside the company as Vision Pro 2, will use Apple's upcoming M5 chip, which should boost performance and improve battery life. Apple also plans to make this model lighter and less expensive than the current version, which starts at $3,499 for 256 GB of storage in the US. Although Apple has not shared exact numbers, the goal is to address feedback about the headset feeling front-heavy, as it currently weighs between 600 g and 650 g, depending on the headband setup. Apple engineers are experimenting with lighter alloys and a revised seal and cushion design that should be more comfortable during long sessions to reach those weight targets. The aim is to bring the Vision Pro closer to the weight of competitors like Meta's Quest 3, which is about 515 g. Lowering the price will be another challenge, especially since the Vision Pro is built entirely in China, where supply chain pressures have been growing.

Alongside Vision Pro 2, Apple is developing a second headset specifically for wired connection to a Mac. This version will likely use a high-bandwidth cable such as Thunderbolt or a custom connector to stream the Mac's display with low latency. The current Vision Pro can already extend a Mac screen over Wi-Fi. Still, professionals in areas like surgical planning and flight simulation need consistent performance, which only a wired link can provide. Apple's enterprise team positions this model as a niche tool for pro users rather than a consumer device. However, Apple's big dream remains true: augmented reality glasses that overlay graphics on transparent lenses. CEO Tim Cook has made this a top priority, believing it is essential to stay ahead in spatial computing. The company is focused on shrinking the optics and improving light transmission, two key issues on the path to making real AR glasses a reality.

Since its summer 2023 launch, Apple's pricey Vision Pro mixed reality headset has not exactly attracted a mainstream audience. Roughly a year later, rumors of a (then) recently canceled successor appeared online—insiders posited that company engineers had pivoted onto the development of a cheaper alternative model. Vision Pro "Version 1.0" arrived with an intimidating $3499 price tag; thus eliminating interest from a wide swath of potential AR/VR headset enthusiast customers. Industry insiders reckon that Apple had "abruptly reduced production" of the current-gen model last October, with further whispers suggesting a complete cessation of manufacturing activities by the end of 2024. Yesterday, an ITHome article cited compelling claims made by supply chain insiders—the initiation of mass production for a speculated second generation "Apple XR/Vision Pro" device.

The online report stated that: "multiple independent sources (have) confirmed that the panels, shells and other key components of the second-generation Apple XR headset are already in production." Very specific leaked information indicates Lens Technology being the exclusive supplier of glass panel pieces, and Changying Precision tasked with the making of the next-gen model's casing. Additionally, several contract circuit manufacturers are supposedly "rushing to complete orders." Secretive figures posit that Apple will release its sequel mixed reality headset later on in 2025. Differing "expert opinions" have not determined whether this incoming set of fancy goggles will be the predicted "cheaper" model, or a proper "M5 SoC-powered" successor.

Mark Gurman—Bloomberg's resident soothsayer of Apple inside track info—has disclosed predictive outlooks for next-generation M5 chip-based MacBooks. Early last month, we experienced the launch of the Northern Californian company's M4 MacBook Air series—starting at $999; also available in a refreshing metallic blue finish. The latest iteration of Apple's signature "extra slim" notebook family arrived with decent performance figures. As per usual, press and community attention has turned to a potential successor. Gurman's (March 30) Power On newsletter posited that engineers are already working on M5-powered super slim sequels—he believes that these offerings will arrive early next year, potentially reusing the current generation's 15-inch and 13-inch fanless chassis designs.

In a mid-February predictive report, Gurman theorized that Apple was planning a major overhaul of the MacBook Pro design. A radical reimagining of the long-running notebook series—that reportedly utilizes M6 chipsets and OLED panels—is a distant prospect; perhaps later on in 2026. The Cupertino-headquartered megacorp is expected to stick with its traditional release cadence, so 2025's "M5" refresh of MacBook Pro models could trickle out by October. Insiders believe that Apple will reuse existing MacBook Pro shells—the last major redesign occurred back in 2021. According to early February reportage, mass production of the much-rumored M5 chip started at some point earlier in the year. Industry moles posit that a 3 nm (N3P) node process was on the order books, chez TSMC foundries.