Many have dismissed Vision Pro as a failure, and a recent report indicating that new hardware is “in flux” adds to this perception. However, there are reasons to consider that Apple’s strategy for the Vision Pro 2 hardware might not be as negative as it seems.
Progress on Vision Pro 2 not ‘full steam ahead’ according to Gurman
This past weekend, Mark Gurman provided an update on Apple’s development of new Vision Pro hardware in his Power On newsletter.
Plans for the next-generation Vision Pro models, including an upgrade to the first version alongside a more affordable variant, are currently evolving. While progress is being made, there’s no rapid advancement at this moment. Nonetheless, the company is dedicated to eventually introducing true augmented reality glasses to the market. Although it will take some time, Apple believes it possesses the right components to succeed in this area.
In the meantime, Apple is readying a significant upgrade to visionOS 3.0 this year, which will follow version 2.4, introducing Apple Intelligence and a new app featuring additional immersive content.
At first glance, this update could fuel the narrative that “Vision Pro is doomed.”
However, as someone who recently purchased the Vision Pro and is encouraged by the latest software updates, I see reasons for optimism.
Why? Because a slower rollout for Vision Pro 2 indicates that Apple must have confidence in the original Vision Pro hardware.
This suggests that Apple is not rushing Vision Pro 2, partly because the original model already features very capable hardware that doesn’t necessitate an immediate upgrade.
Evidence of this is apparent in recent news regarding updates to visionOS software.
Significant visionOS upgrades suggest there’s no hurry to release new hardware
Following last year’s WWDC, rumors circulated that Apple Intelligence might not be available on the Vision Pro due to hardware constraints.
The Vision Pro is equipped with an M2 chip, which indeed supplies sufficient power for AI capabilities. However, some speculated that Apple may have already reached the limits of the Vision Pro’s hardware with its existing features.
This certainly isn’t the case.
Apple has released significant software updates in visionOS 2 and 2.2, and the upcoming update will integrate Apple Intelligence into the Vision Pro.
VisionOS 2.4 will provide most AI features similar to those on Apple’s other platforms, with minimal restrictions that do not seem linked to hardware capabilities.
Moreover, Gurman indicates that visionOS 3 will represent a “major” upgrade.
Apple’s software enhancements have consistently enriched the Vision Pro experience without requiring new hardware.
It appears that the company’s software plans are not being hindered by the original Vision Pro’s hardware.
This is reassuring news for early adopters or buyers like myself. Missing out on new features would be particularly disappointing given Vision Pro’s premium price point.
A longer wait for Vision Pro 2 might not be a bad thing
I concede that if Apple was progressing rapidly on the Vision Pro’s successor, it would be a more positive update.
However, as Gurman points out, there is indeed work underway. Apple simply doesn’t seem to be in haste to release Vision Pro 2.
Perhaps I’m overly optimistic, but I believe that a delay for Vision Pro 2 is not necessarily negative.
If Apple continues to deliver substantial software upgrades for Vision Pro users and takes the necessary time to address the current model’s issues, it could be beneficial. An incremental release might be acceptable, but it’s crucial to tackle any existing shortcomings, and a bit more time could facilitate that.
What are your thoughts on the reported developments for Vision Pro 2? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments.
