Apple is developing its next generation Vision Pro headset with M4 chip

The Apple Vision Pro may not have set the world on fire just yet, but Apple isn’t walking away from the mixed-reality dream just yet. In fact, the next chapter in the Cupertino giant’s AR/VR playbook is already in motion, and it’s shaping up to be a much smarter, sleeker, and more powerful version of its predecessor. Here’s what is known about Apple’s second-generation Vision Pro.

Apple developing second generation Vision Pro

According to Bloomberg, Apple is deep into the development of a second-generation Vision Pro, and this time, it’s going all in with its latest silicon – the M4 chip. Previously seen powering the new iPad Pro and MacBooks, the M4 is expected to give the headset a massive performance leap, opening the door for more intense, immersive applications, from 3D workflows to next-gen entertainment experiences.

The new device could be dubbed the Vision Pro 2, and if timelines hold, it could break cover as early as the end of this year. This version will reportedly sport an upgraded neural engine, boosting its AI-processing muscle. That means smarter interactions, more lifelike responsiveness, and potentially game-changing new features built on Apple’s growing AI ambitions.

Design-wise, Apple seems to be listening. The new Vision Pro could debut with a reengineered head strap, aiming to fix the comfort complaints from early adopters, particularly around neck strain during extended wear. It’s a small but necessary evolution if Apple truly wants this device to become more than just a developer’s toy.

But there’s more. The report further adds that Apple is also prototyping a tethered version of the Vision Pro; one that would connect to an iPhone or Mac. While that might sound like a step backward, the payoff could be a dramatically lighter headset with reduced input lag and better thermal performance, delivering a smoother and more accessible AR/VR experience.

And for those waiting on Apple to play the mass-market game, patience could pay off by 2027. That’s when a more affordable, stripped-down headset, possibly called Vision Air, is expected to arrive. Think lighter, easier to wear, and aimed squarely at mainstream consumers who want something more like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and less than an exorbitant pro-grade headset.

Are you excited for the second-gen Vision Pro and the speculated Vision Air? Drop a comment to let us know, and stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for the latest tech updates.