When Apple introduced the Vision Pro at WWDC 2023, the company presented it as the next era of computing—a Vision Pro 2 that could seamlessly blend digital and physical worlds through AR and VR. With its M2 chip, R1 coprocessor, and Apple’s characteristic polish, it was marketed as the ultimate mixed-reality experience. But when it finally launched in early 2024 in the U.S. and later expanded into other countries, the hype quickly collided with reality. This information is also featured on 9to9trends’ YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out.
At $3,500, the Vision Pro was prohibitively expensive for most consumers, limiting adoption to a niche group of professionals and tech enthusiasts. Despite its technical brilliance, the headset never came close to becoming the mainstream success Apple envisioned. Now, two years later, Apple is preparing an update to the Vision Pro 2, with leaks pointing to a release before the end of 2025. But the key question remains: is Apple addressing the real issues, or is it simply pushing out a spec bump disguised as innovation?
No Price Cuts, No New Design
If buyers were hoping for Apple to tackle the most obvious problem—the astronomical price—they are in for disappointment. According to multiple reports, including insights from industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the next Vision Pro will not come with a reduced price tag. Apple appears determined to hold the headset at $3,500, the same premium positioning that limited the first model’s reach. This decision reinforces the perception that Apple views the Vision Pro as a luxury item rather than a product for mass adoption.
Design changes are also unlikely. The next Vision Pro is expected to retain the same physical design as its predecessor, leaving users with identical ergonomics, form factor, and build. For a device launched at such a high cost, Apple’s unwillingness to address weight, comfort, or external usability concerns is a missed opportunity. At this point, many potential buyers might question whether Apple is listening to its audience at all, or simply prioritizing its hardware refresh cycle.
The Shift to M5 and R2 Chips
The most substantial upgrade in the next Vision Pro will come internally. Apple is planning to replace the M2 chip with the much faster and more efficient M5 processor. Based on architectural advancements introduced with the M4, the M5 is expected to bring significant gains in both speed and efficiency, helping alleviate performance and battery concerns. The M5 will likely feature a 10-core CPU split between six efficiency cores and four performance cores. GPU performance could also expand from 10 cores to 12, continuing Apple’s steady climb in graphics capability since the M1 generation.
In addition, there is speculation about the inclusion of an R2 chip, designed to handle motion tracking and eye-tracking tasks. This chip would be a direct upgrade over the R1, potentially offering faster response times and greater accuracy in mixed-reality environments. However, reports conflict on whether the R2 will be ready in time for a 2025 launch. Some sources suggest its development is on track for 2026, meaning the updated Vision Pro might either launch without it or face delays.
Efficiency, Battery, and AI Gains
One of the major criticisms of the first-generation Vision Pro has been battery life, and here the M5 chip could deliver meaningful improvements. Efficiency gains that began with the M4 are expected to carry over, allowing the headset to run longer on a charge while generating less heat. For users who rely on the Vision Pro in professional settings—surgeons, designers, or researchers—this change could make the device more practical.
The M5 is also likely to bring a stronger Neural Engine, possibly integrating advancements from the A19 Pro chip. This would dramatically improve AI-driven tasks like real-time object recognition, gesture tracking, and rendering. Combined with expanded RAM options of up to 16GB or even 24GB, the Vision Pro 2 could handle more complex workloads with ease. These technical improvements sound impressive on paper, but whether they are enough to convince users to reinvest in such an expensive product is debatable.
A Familiar Strategy with Limited Appeal
Looking at Apple’s strategy, the Vision Pro 2 update appears to mirror the company’s approach to its MacBook and iPad lines: refresh the chip, incrementally boost performance, and repackage it as a next-generation product. While that approach works for laptops and tablets—devices with established markets—it feels tone-deaf for a headset struggling to justify its existence beyond a small professional niche. Apple’s refusal to innovate beyond silicon upgrades suggests the company is more interested in sustaining the product line than redefining it. For a device intended to be groundbreaking, this comes across as a conservative, even complacent, move.
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Vision Pro 2 Release Date Uncertainty
The launch window for the next Vision Pro 2 remains unclear. Some reports suggest an October 2025 debut, which would align with the expected release of the iPad Pro carrying the same M5 chip. However, if the R2 chip is not ready until 2026, the Vision Pro 2 update could face delays. There is also the possibility that Apple is preparing two versions: a high-end M5 model and a more affordable variant with different hardware, as hinted by Ming-Chi Kuo. This uncertainty undermines Apple’s message of confidence in the Vision Pro line, making it look like even the company is unsure about the product’s trajectory.
The Pricing Dilemma
Ultimately, the biggest challenge for the Vision Pro 2 update remains the same as the original: its price. Holding firm at $3,500 all but guarantees that the device will remain niche. While Apple has long positioned itself as a premium brand, the gap between pricing and perceived value here is particularly stark. The Vision Pro 2 is not a necessity—it’s a luxury gadget—and unless Apple rethinks its pricing strategy, adoption will remain limited. Competitors are already rolling out more affordable, lightweight, and user-friendly headsets, raising the risk that Apple’s headset will feel out of touch despite its technical superiority.
Conclusion: Incremental Progress, Persistent Problems
The updated Vision Pro 2, expected as early as October 2025 but possibly delayed into 2026, represents Apple’s commitment to keeping its mixed-reality vision alive. With an M5 processor, potential R2 enhancements, expanded RAM, stronger AI capabilities, and improved efficiency, it will unquestionably be a more capable machine than its predecessor. But these internal improvements do not address the core issues of price, accessibility, or design. Instead, Apple is leaning on incremental upgrades that may not be enough to win over skeptics or attract new buyers. At $3,500, the Vision Pro risks remaining what it has been since launch: a fascinating piece of technology that very few people will ever own.
