Key Points
- Apple is rumored to release an upgraded Vision Pro 2 headset by late 2025 or spring 2026.
- The Vision Pro 2 is expected to feature Apple’s new M5 chip, which will enhance its processing power, though the design may remain similar.
- Apple is reportedly developing a less expensive Vision headset, potentially priced at $2,000, with fewer premium features.
- The Vision Pro is currently more expensive than other Apple products, including iPhones and MacBooks, affecting its mainstream appeal.
Apple may release an updated version of its high-end Vision Pro headset by late 2025 or spring 2026. The latest edition of Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter suggests that Apple is working on a second-generation Vision Pro with upgraded internal features, such as the anticipated M5 chip, Apple’s upcoming and more powerful silicon processor. While the design is expected to closely resemble the current model, the new Vision Pro will likely focus on performance improvements.
Gurman hints that the release of the Vision Pro 2 could precede the launch of a budget-friendly version, which Apple has been rumored to be developing. Bloomberg previously reported that Apple’s Vision Products Group has been considering a cheaper variant of the Vision Pro without the “Pro” label. This budget model could be priced at around $2,000—significantly less than the Vision Pro’s current $3,500 price tag. However, cost-saving measures would mean omitting certain premium features, such as EyeSight, which allows users to display their own eyes on the headset for a more natural interaction with others.
Despite rumors of the budget model, renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has tempered expectations by suggesting that a more affordable Vision Pro may not arrive until after 2027. According to Kuo, merely lowering the headset’s price will not be enough to boost sales, as it would still lack sufficient consumer appeal. He compared Apple’s experience with the HomePod line: even after introducing a lower-cost HomePod mini, Apple’s smart speakers failed to achieve widespread popularity due to limited use cases.
The high cost of the Vision Pro has been a sticking point for consumers. According to IDC’s recent analysis, sales of Vision Pro in the U.S. declined by 75% in the second quarter after launch, with total sales estimated at around 500,000 units. IDC pointed to the headset’s steep price tag—currently making it more expensive than any iPhone or MacBook—and a lack of exclusive content, which has hindered its market appeal.
As Apple considers its next steps, the Vision Pro line may benefit from technological advancements and strategic price adjustments. In the meantime, consumers may be able to expect improved features and performance from a Vision Pro 2 model in the next couple of years.
