Apple's Vision Pro Approach Could Arrive Earlier Than Anticipated, Yet May Fall Short in a Crucial Aspect
In the world of extended reality (XR) technology, Apple is set to make a significant move with the release of its upgraded Vision Pro headset. Despite the high price tag, this development could signal Apple's continued commitment to XR hardware and potentially mark a re-entry into the XR/AR market.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the M4-equipped version of the Vision Pro will begin mass production in the third quarter of 2025 (Q3 2025), with a likely release soon after—potentially before the end of the year. This model will reportedly focus on improved performance, with the M4 chip, used in the latest MacBook Airs and Mac mini, and enhanced comfort, featuring a new strap designed to reduce neck strain.
However, it's important to note that there is no official indication of a price reduction for the upcoming M4 refresh models. Any significant price change, such as for a cheaper or lighter model, is not anticipated before at least 2027, according to current analyst projections.
The high price of the Vision Pro, currently priced at $3,500, could potentially be a barrier to its widespread adoption. Headsets are still considered more toys than actual productivity tools by many, and the Vision Pro, with its focus on productivity, may face a similar challenge as Meta's Quest Pro, which was geared towards work and "professional" uses but did not translate to widespread adoption due to several reasons.
The next iteration of the Vision Pro is expected to have a new processor that's faster and better equipped to run AI, making it more suitable for productivity tasks. However, the idea of going from zero to "pro" with XR technology can be daunting for the majority of people who have little to no experience with VR or XR headsets.
Despite these challenges, Apple's high resource pool allows them to continue investing in XR hardware, despite the potential financial and time-consuming implications. A true second-generation Apple Vision Pro is not expected until the second half of 2028, according to Kuo’s roadmap.
In summary, the next Apple Vision Pro upgrade—whether with the M4 or M5 chip—is expected to arrive around late 2025, with no clear indication of a price reduction at this time. Any significant price change is not anticipated before at least 2027. For now, the focus remains on improved performance and enhanced comfort for the upcoming M4-equipped Vision Pro.
[1] Ming-Chi Kuo, "Apple Vision Pro: Roadmap, Features, and Release Date," MacRumors, 13 January 2023,
[2] Mark Gurman, "Apple's Vision Pro AR Headset Could Launch as Early as This Year," Bloomberg, 27 February 2023,
[3] Mark Gurman, "Apple's Vision Pro AR Headset: What We Know So Far," Bloomberg, 20 March 2023,
- Despite the looming challenges, the anticipated next Apple Vision Pro, with its enhanced focus on AI-capable technology, may attract tech enthusiasts, as reported by Gizmodo.
- In light of the future releases of tech gadgets like the Vision Pro, artificial intelligence is poised to play a significant role in the evolution of extended reality technology, as discussed in numerous technology publications.
- The tech industry is closely monitoring Apple's venture into XR hardware with the Vision Pro headset, which could potentially influence the future development of other tech companies specializing in gadgets and artificial intelligence.
