Apple is preparing the first true hardware refresh of the Vision Pro, its ambitious mixed-reality headset that first debuted in February 2024. The update, however, is not expected to be groundbreaking by any means, and instead, it will focus on modest refinements that keep the product evolving without changing its identity. In his latest preview, Mark Gurman shared his speculations regarding Apple products that will be released later this year. The analyst shared some interesting insights on the Vision Pro 2 and the future variants, which would get the best from Apple.
Apple’s Vision Pro 2 will debut with internal upgrades, a new Space Black finish, and a redesigned strap for comfort
The biggest change coming this year would be oriented towards internals and some cosmetic changes on the outside. The company is moving away from the current M2 silicon, and as per prior reports, it has tested M4 and M5 variants for the Vision Pro 2. Any of these chips would significantly boost the performance, especially for AI-driven tasks and rendering complex spatial environments. This would allow the headset to feel more fluid and powerful during everyday use.
Other than the processor, a new finish will also help differentiate the new model, a strategy that the company has implemented for years with the iPhone. The company is reportedly exploring a Space Black finish for the Vision Pro 2, potentially similar to what the company’s M4 MacBook Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2 feature. This subtle change would give the headset a fresh identity without requiring a complete external redesign. The company is also focusing on comfort with the next iteration of the Vision Pro, which is slated to come with a redesigned strap that is expected to make long sessions more bearable compared to the current dual-band system.
“Apple is poised to release the first hardware update to the Vision Pro, the controversial and slow-to-sell mixed-reality headset it launched in Feb. 2024. But the update won’t be much to write home about: Apple is swapping out the chip from the M2 to something newer (it’s tested both the M4 and M5). It’s also considered a space black version. The company is planning to roll out a far cheaper and lighter model as well as smart glasses over the next two years.”
While it might sound like an incremental upgrade, the Vision Pro 2 will improve on aspects that need work. However, what’s more important is that the company is also looking beyond the Vision Pro 2 with a new, lighter, and more affordable headset that could open the lineup to a broader audience. Furthermore, the company is also developing a set of smart glasses, which will compete against the likes of the Meta smart glasses. Apple’s future plans would allow it to position itself in the industry as a major contender in the spatial computing industry rather than relying solely on the iPhone as its main source of revenue.
Apple will announce the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9, where it will also introduce new Apple Watch and AirPods. As for the Vision Pro 2, we suspect that the company will launch the headset at a later date, potentially in November. What product are you most excited about this year?
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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