As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is actively pursuing a lighter and more affordable variant of the Apple Vision Pro, specifically targeting some of the major issues encountered with the original headset. Additionally, there is a second headset being developed that focuses on minimizing latency for real-world usage applications.
Vision Pro 2
According to Gurman, Apple had initially envisioned a ‘simpler update’, merely transitioning from an M2 chip to an M5 chip without significant hardware modifications. However, this approach has changed.
The upcoming model currently known as Vision Pro will emphasize enterprise applications, particularly where the latency associated with an all-wireless setup posed considerable challenges:
Instead, it is now developing a Vision Pro that connects directly to a Mac. The distinction between the two concepts lies in the degree of immersion they offer.
With the extremely low latency provided by a wired connection, the headset could prove invaluable for tasks such as displaying images in surgical settings or for use in flight simulators, as noted by Gurman.
A previous iteration of this headset featured transparent lenses, but the new model will continue to use pass-through technology similar to the current generation of Vision Pro.
‘Lighter and cheaper’ update
Moreover, work is underway on a lighter and less expensive version. There had been some conflicting reports regarding the seriousness of the delays for this product, yet it remains a top priority for Apple. Gurman points out that the existing Vision Pro headset weighs almost 1.5 pounds, which can lead to neck and head strain.
Additionally, he mentions that the Vision Pro is priced at seven times the cost of the Meta Quest 3, and this upcoming headset will aim to resolve both of these issues.
Aside from that, specifics about how Apple plans to create a lighter and more affordable design are scarce—but it certainly moves Tim Cook closer to his vision of achieving AR glasses.
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