Apple Vision Pro: M5 Chip Expected by 2025, Affordable Model Delayed
- The Vision Pro is rumored to get a M5 chip boost in 2025.
- However, Apple's budget Vision Pro won't hit shelves until "beyond 2027"—what's holding it back?
- Kuo says slashing prices isn’t enough for Apple's Vision lineup to succeed.
Apple's Vision Pro continues to evolve, but with notable delays impacting its lineup. The next-generation Vision Pro is set to feature an upgraded M5 chip in 2025, while plans for a more budget-friendly model have been pushed significantly further down the timeline.
Photo via 9to5Mac // The Vision Pro's design may remain consistent in 2025, but its processing power is set for an M5 refresh.
Vision Pro Evolution: M5 Upgrade Confirmed for 2025
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, a respected analyst from TF International Securities, Apple plans to release a new version of the Vision Pro with an M5 chip in 2025. This model will mirror the existing design but offer improved processing power, a move aligning with Apple's incremental hardware upgrades seen in other product lines.
Kuo shared these insights through a post on X, highlighting that the updated Vision Pro will be Apple's only new head-mounted display expected for that year. This news cements Apple's intention to focus on refining the premium Vision Pro experience before introducing additional models.
Budget-Friendly Vision Pro Faces Delays
Initial speculation suggested that Apple was developing a less expensive Vision Pro to reach a broader audience. However, Kuo now asserts that this model's production has been postponed to "beyond 2027," citing the challenges in creating compelling use cases. He remarked, “Simply reducing the price wouldn't help create successful use cases,” drawing parallels to Apple’s earlier attempts with the HomePod line. Despite the HomePod mini’s launch, Apple's smart speakers failed to achieve mainstream success—a pattern Kuo believes the company aims to avoid with its AR/VR offerings.
Photo via BGR // The Vision Pro has become a focal point in Apple's push into AR/VR, blending innovation with a cautious approach.
Bloomberg corroborated Kuo’s claim, reporting that Apple is “seriously considering” a cheaper version of the Apple Vision headset that might offload substantial processing tasks to a connected iPhone. This could pave the way for a sleeker, AR glasses-style device. The potential entry-level model is rumored to come at a price point around $2,000, featuring a less powerful chip and more affordable materials. It might also exclude advanced features like EyeSight, which displays the wearer’s eyes on the front.
The Road Ahead
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg offered a contrasting timeline, suggesting Apple is developing at least four new Vision devices. His report included a lower-cost headset projected as early as next year, with a new Vision Pro model following in 2026. While Kuo's insights point to a more conservative approach, the truth might lie in Apple's cautious balancing act between innovation and practicality.
“Apple seems to be taking its time refining the Vision Pro line,” one observer noted. The company’s experience with products like the HomePod likely informs this deliberate pacing.
This recalibration signals Apple’s commitment to perfecting the Vision Pro ecosystem and ensuring robust support from developers—a crucial element for long-term success. Industry watchers and tech enthusiasts alike will be keenly observing whether this patient strategy pays off or whether it risks ceding ground to competitors in the race for consumer AR/VR adoption.
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Published to Apple Scoop on 3rd November, 2024.
