Despite all odds, it appears Apple hasn’t sidelined the Vision Pro’s potential just yet. New Vision Pro 2 leaks have begun popping up online, primarily to remind us that a cheaper version of the headset could be just around the corner. Reportedly, the sequel Vision Pro could be looking at a Mac tether to make it functional, offloading some of the processing capabilities over to a secondary device to limit how much onboard processing is required to make it functional.
This could be Apple’s solution to a cheaper Vision Pro headset, although it would further limit the potential customer base to Mac users or those who don’t mind buying two new devices in order to access the MR potential of the headset. Does it mean the company is giving up on the current form of the spatial computer? Not necessarily. Industry expert Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter recently revealed that Apple is “readying” two new headsets for release—the Apple Vision Pro 2 and a cheaper Mac-tethered version.
The Apple Vision Pro was a marvel in its own right but there are many improvements to be made to make the Apple Vision Pro 2 a commercial success.
New Apple Vision Pro 2 Leaks Suggests Two Headsets Are Coming Soon
Let’s break down the Apple Vision Pro update into greater detail. As has been rumored before, Apple is working on two separate headsets in the Vision Pro lineup. This will allow it to be more accessible to a wider group of customers, and both are expected to be cheaper than the $3,499 headset we have right now.
The concerns and feedback from the first model have been taken into account, and the Apple headset timeline could be looking at a 2025 release, although some rumors indicate we won’t see a launch before 2026.
Apple Vision Pro 2 Expectations
The mainline Vision Pro 2 rumors focus on the more expensive version of the headset, which will still be cheaper and lighter than the original release. The Vision Pro 2 specs will center around an yet-unreleased M5 chipset, a big upgrade from the M2 on the original model. It is expected to offer lower latency for smoother interaction in AR and VR environments and should have improved processing power to handle more demanding applications and improvements in passthrough video quality.
Despite earlier Vision Pro 2 leaks that suggested the headset could be delayed to 2027, we’re seeing evidence that the headset is set for mass production and a 2025 release. Rumors of the Vision Pro’s Mac tether aren’t clear on whether this is a feature that’s going to be reserved for the cheaper headset of the flagship Vision Pro 2, but we could see both take on this new strategy.
Summarizing the Vision Pro 2’s Rumored Specs
- It could be lighter and potentially cheaper than the original Vision Pro ($3,499), though still a premium device
- We’re more certain of the rumor that it will be powered by an M5 chip for improved performance
- Brighter, more efficient displays (possibly micro-LED or enhanced micro-OLED)
- Lower latency, better passthrough video, and improved prescription lens support
- May include tethered Mac support for enhanced functionality
- Runs an advanced version of visionOS, with refined spatial computing and gesture controls
A Second, Cheaper Vision Pro Headset
The Vision Pro 2 leaks are very unclear on how exactly Apple will differentiate the cheaper Vision Pro headset from the second flagship release. We have been able to draw some early conclusions from what has been revealed, but there is nothing guaranteed so far. The main grip with the Vision Pro was that it was too heavy—weighing in at almost 1.5 pounds—and too expensive—available at $3,499.
The Vision Pro is seven times the price of Meta Quest 3, which makes it a very illogical buy for the average consumer. Now, the expectations for the Vision Pro 2 are already set for a cheaper and lighter headset, but Apple is also exploring the room to target an even bigger market of consumers who could buy the headset at a lower price. This will come with a significant dip in quality and capability, but it could still be functional enough to attract users.
Summarizing the Rumors Around the Cheaper Vision Pro Headset
- Significantly cheaper than the Vision Pro or Vision Pro 2. We speculate that it would have to be closer to $1,500–$2,000, so it still won’t necessarily be “cheap”
- The affordable Vision Pro will likely use a less powerful chip (an A-series chip or older M-series, for example) to cut costs
- Expect simplified display technology, potentially lower-resolution OLED or LCD instead of micro-OLED
- It will have fewer premium features like advanced eye-tracking or high-fidelity passthrough video
- The headset may rely more on tethered connections (e.g., to an iPhone or Mac) to reduce onboard processing needs, which will be the biggest area for the cost cut
- It will still run on visionOS but with a scaled-down feature set to match the hardware
- The Vision Pro 2026 rumors could be right about this headset getting a more delayed release compared to the main Vision Pro 2
Key Differences Between the Rumored Vision Pro 2 and the Cheaper Vision Pro
Let’s put what we know of the Apple headset time so far. There are two headsets coming, and both could rely on Mac tethering, although this is more likely on the cheaper headset with its more minimalistic onboard capabilities.
Positioning:
- Vision Pro 2: A high-end, feature-rich headset aimed at professionals and enthusiasts who want the best of the best
- Lower-Cost Headset: An entry-level offering for Apple enthusiasts focused on affordability and broader adoption
Performance:
- Vision Pro 2: Built with cutting-edge hardware such as the M5 chip and advanced displays for a more immersive and versatile experience
- Lower-Cost Headset: Compromised specs with a weaker chip and simpler displays that will allow Apple to reduce costs
Features:
- Vision Pro 2: Full suite of premium features like advanced passthrough technology, eye-tracking, and low-latency AR/VR
- Lower-Cost Headset: Scaled-back features, possibly lacking some advanced capabilities to hit a lower price point
Price:
- Vision Pro 2: Still set at premium pricing, though it will be cheaper than the original $3,499 Vision Pro
- Lower-Cost Headset: Substantially more affordable to appeal to a wider audience
Timeline:
- Vision Pro 2: Likely set for a 2025 release, with production already underway
- Lower-Cost Headset: Likely releasing in 2026 or beyond to fill the gap between the Apple Vision 2 and a future updated version of the device
The Apple Vision Pro Update Comes with News of AR Glasses
The Vision Pro 2 leaks make it clear that the spatial computer is here to stay, but Apple isn’t looking at stopping there. Gurman also indicated that Apple CEO Tim Cook is “hell-bent” on beating Meta to the release of “industry-leading” AR glasses. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of Apple’s ambitions to expand more comprehensively into the AR space, and although it’s a dream many years in the making, it could take a few more to realize it.
The Apple headset timeline does include some investigation into AR smart glasses that will be enhanced by Apple Intelligence capabilities. The concept for the iPhone or Mac tether headset originated with the glasses, so perfecting one could help with the progress of the other. Although a Gurman report from January indicated that Apple had killed the project, there is still some hope for a future launch.
The Vision Pro 2 leaks give us almost nothing concrete to work with so we’re keeping our focus on the iPhone 17 releases, iOS 19 updates, and the progress of the advanced Siri AI to kill the time, but the moment we learn more about these projects, we’ll have our report ready for you.
Subscribe to Technowize so you can keep up with the latest Apple Vision Pro 2 news or other updates from the world of technology and gaming.