Apple is reportedly developing a second-generation Vision Pro headset powered by its upcoming M5 chip, with mass production expected to begin in the second half of 2025, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The new model will focus on integrating Apple Intelligence, the company's artificial intelligence and machine learning platform, to enhance the spatial computing experience.
Kuo believes this integration could be the key to pushing Apple's mixed reality technology into the mainstream.
"The main selling point will be the integration of Apple Intelligence with spatial computing," Kuo stated in a blog post. He added that the M5 chip would "significantly improve computing power and ensure the best Apple Intelligence user experience."
While the overall design and specifications of the headset are not expected to change dramatically, the processor upgrade from M2 to M5 represents a substantial leap in performance. This could enable more advanced AI features and improve the device's intuitive interface, addressing what Kuo describes as "the biggest design challenge for Vision Pro."
Despite the upgraded internals, the price of the second-generation Vision Pro is likely to remain similar to the current model's $3,499 starting price. However, Kuo suggests that production costs may decrease due to the minimal changes in design and components.
The analyst also speculates that if the new Vision Pro can incorporate advanced AI models similar to
OpenAI's Sora, it could "elevate the user experience of the head-mounted display device to unimaginable levels."
While Apple has not officially confirmed any plans for a Vision Pro successor, the company is known to be working on expanding its mixed reality ecosystem. The first-generation Vision Pro, released earlier this year, has received mixed reviews due to its high price point and limited app ecosystem.
In addition to the high-end Vision Pro 2, Apple is rumoured to be developing a more affordable mixed reality headset aimed at a broader consumer market. This lower-cost model could potentially launch before the M5-powered Vision Pro 2, although details remain scarce.