Apple’s ambitious Vision Pro headset is rumored to receive an upgrade to an M5 processor by 2025, according to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. However, plans for a lower-cost model appear to be on hold, potentially until beyond 2027. Apple’s cautious approach reflects a desire to secure stronger user engagement and app development before releasing a more affordable option, Kuo suggests.
Instead of releasing a cheaper headset with reduced features, Apple is reportedly considering a version that may offload the bulk of processing tasks to an iPhone, similar to how some AR smart glasses operate. This approach would allow for a smaller, lighter design and could lower the price by relying on the iPhone’s existing hardware.
Kuo’s analysis, which is supported by a recent Bloomberg report, notes Apple’s historical experiences with product lines like the HomePod, where reducing prices alone wasn’t enough to attract mainstream adoption. Just as the HomePod mini offered a smaller, less expensive option but struggled to compete in the broader market, a cheaper Vision Pro might face similar challenges in gaining widespread appeal without a solid ecosystem of apps and experiences.
Apple’s immediate focus appears to be on refining the Vision Pro experience, enhancing its processing power, and expanding the app and content ecosystem to appeal to a broader user base. By the time an affordable Vision Pro becomes available, Apple may have the infrastructure and content in place to support a more sustainable market demand for its mixed-reality devices.
While Apple’s plans may evolve, the delay of a lower-cost model suggests the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing AR/VR technology thoughtfully, even if it means postponing certain products until the market is ready.