Apple Vision Pro 2 Set to Launch This Year Featuring M4 Chip and Redesigned Head Strap for Improved Comfort, Maintaining Overall Weight; Affordable Model Still Years From Release

Apple is set to unveil the Vision Pro 2, the highly anticipated successor to its initial Vision Pro headset. This new model promises enhanced capabilities as well as improved comfort for users. Reports indicate that the launch is slated for later this year, featuring upgraded internals and modifications to the head strap. However, potential buyers should not expect a more budget-friendly version just yet, as Apple is likely to take additional time to explore cost-reduction strategies without compromising functionality.

Enhanced Comfort and Functionality in the Vision Pro 2

Esteemed Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman has provided insights suggesting that the Vision Pro 2’s launch may coincide with the release of Apple’s new M5 MacBook Pro models or the refreshed M5 iPad Pro. Prior to this, Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 17 lineup in September during a dedicated event. The timing implies that the Vision Pro 2 may follow closely behind the new Mac models instead of the iPhones.

In terms of performance, the Vision Pro 2 is expected to feature an M4 chip, offering considerable enhancements over the current M2 chip. Given that the M5 chip announcement will coincide with the device’s launch, analysts including Ming-Chi Kuo anticipate the integration of the latest chip; however, the M4 chip itself will significantly improve computational and graphical performance. This upgrade could also bolster Apple’s Intelligent features, providing a level of future-proofing for the hardware.

Comfort is another key focus of the Vision Pro 2, which will showcase a newly redesigned head strap aimed at enhancing the user experience, especially for those who wear the headset for extended periods. Despite addressing comfort issues, the weight of the headset itself will remain unchanged, indicating that while certain improvements are expected, the overall design may not alter significantly beyond the internal components.

Gurman suggests that a more affordable variant of the Vision Pro could emerge as soon as 2027, potentially attracting a broader audience to the mixed-reality experience. At its current price point of $3, 499, the Vision Pro has garnered interest from only a limited user base, and demand lags behind other popular Apple products. The question remains: Will Apple opt for the M5 chip or the M4 chip for the Vision Pro 2?

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