Apple Vision Pro
Apple’s Vision Pro successor is reportedly facing an uncertain future as the company explores different ideas for its next mixed-reality headset. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is considering around four concepts for a new device, including designs that could move some internal components outside the headset. The project is now said to be on “life support”, and there is no guarantee that Apple will release it.
Apple Vision Pro headset has struggled to gain strong momentum since its launch. The headset is expensive, costing nearly $4,000, and is also considered heavy.
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Apple hardware chief John Ternus has publicly remained positive about the Vision Pro. After the launch of the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, Ternus spoke about the headset in an interview. He compared its current stage to the early days of computers.
“We’re going to continue to grow and find more and more compelling use cases,” Ternus said, adding that he believed “there’s a very bright future.”
However, Apple has not provided a clear timeline for a successor. Gurman reported Ternus has internally viewed the current Vision Pro as a stepping stone towards a future product.
Apple’s Vision team is currently working on a new headset under the internal code name N224. Engineers are looking at different designs. One option could follow a similar approach to Meta’s latest VR glasses by moving some hardware away from the user’s face.
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However, this idea has divided Apple’s leadership. Some executives reportedly believe an external puck would make the headset less convenient. They want Apple to keep the hardware closer to the all-in-one design of the current Vision Pro, according to the report.
“I’m told the work is on ‘life support’ as the company weighs a new direction, with no guarantee the device will ever launch,” Gurman reported. If Apple decides to launch the new headset, it may not arrive until late 2028 or early 2029.
For now, Apple is reportedly putting more focus on displayless smart glasses. Meanwhile, senior Vision Pro leaders are pushing the company to continue investing in the category.
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