Apple Vision Pro 2 to launch with M5 chip by 2026, cheaper model delayed until 2027

In the latest edition of Mark Gurman’s “Power On,” newsletter, details have emerged about the anticipated second-generation Apple Vision Pro, projected to launch between fall 2025 and spring 2026.

This timeline aligns closely with previous predictions, although it hints at a slightly extended wait. Gurman’s update follows recent insights from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who revealed Apple’s shift away from prioritizing a lower-cost Apple Vision headset. Instead, Apple is focused on refining and launching the Vision Pro 2, marking it as the next step in its spatial computing line.

The most significant upgrade for the Apple Vision Pro 2 will be its transition from the M2 chip to the forthcoming M5 chip, promising a substantial leap in performance. When Apple introduced the Vision Pro with the M2 chip, it felt ahead of its time. However, the subsequent releases of the M3 and M4 chips shortly afterward made the $3,500 headset seem slightly outdated. Apple aims to address this issue by aligning the Vision Pro 2’s M5 release with the M5 debut in its Mac lineup, ensuring that the headset feels contemporary from the outset.

Physically, the Vision Pro 2 is expected to look very similar to its predecessor, with Bloomberg reporting that at least one of Apple’s planned updates for the Vision line will retain a nearly identical design. The significant changes, according to Gurman, will be internal, focusing on processing power and other performance enhancements. The recent release of Apple’s Wide and Ultra Wide virtual display options for the Mac on visionOS 2.2 has already shown that even without new hardware, software features can significantly enhance the user experience, adding value to the Vision Pro lineup.

While the Vision Pro 2 takes shape, Apple’s plans for a lower-cost version remain uncertain. Kuo suggests that Apple has pushed this more affordable model back to at least 2027, arguing that a less expensive headset alone may not drive enough demand to justify its development timeline. As Apple continues to explore new concepts for its Vision product line—including “smart glasses” that aim to compete with offerings from Meta—the tech giant’s strategy for the Vision Pro 2 is clear: deliver enhanced capabilities and keep the product in line with its ecosystem of cutting-edge technology.

(via Bloomberg)