**Apple Allegedly Crafting New Vision Pro with M5 Chip, Cheaper Variant Postponed**
While Apple’s Vision Pro headset may not be achieving the anticipated success in the market, the tech behemoth isn’t prepared to give up just now. A fresh report from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that the firm is already in the process of creating a new iteration of the mixed reality headset, which will incorporate the forthcoming M5 chip.
Kuo further disclosed that the company has postponed the production of a speculated, less pricey Vision Pro model until “after 2027.” This implies that the only new head-mounted display launching from Apple in 2025 will be an enhanced Vision Pro featuring the M5 processor.
At present, the Vision Pro stands as Apple’s exclusive mixed reality headset, with a steep price of $3,499. Reportedly, sales have been disappointing, prompting concerns regarding the product’s future. So why delay the introduction of a budget-friendly variant?
Per Kuo, the challenge involves more than just the elevated price. Rather, it’s the absence of enticing “use cases” for the device that has obstructed its triumph. “Apple’s pricing is high across the board compared to rivals, even for items like the HomePod mini,” Kuo remarked. He also mentioned that even with a more affordable Vision Pro, it might still come off as pricey when juxtaposed with competing products. Ultimately, the critical factor for success will hinge on Apple’s ability to provide meaningful and practical applications for the headset.
For customers, this indicates that a new Vision Pro is unlikely to be available for quite a while. The original Vision Pro was revealed in June 2023 during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), and it is anticipated that any successor will adhere to a comparable timeline. However, when the next version finally arrives, it will likely carry a price resembling that of the current model, making it unaffordable for many prospective buyers.
Kuo did not offer additional insights into the future Vision Pro. Nevertheless, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in his *Power On* newsletter, also indicated that Apple is working on a Vision Pro with an upgraded chip, though he did not provide any further details. Gurman additionally highlighted that Apple is “seriously contemplating” the development of a smart glasses-like wearable device, which would operate via the iPhone.
For the time being, it appears that Apple’s Vision Pro journey is far from concluded, but the path ahead may be lengthy before we witness any substantial alterations or more economical alternatives.