---

Apple Vision Pro 2 and Vision Air: What We Know So Far About Apple’s Mixed Reality Future

Apple’s entry into the mixed reality market with the Vision Pro was one of the most highly anticipated tech launches of the decade. Its blend of augmented and virtual reality, combined with Apple’s sleek design language, created a premium device that set a new standard for immersive experiences. However, as we step closer to 2025, fresh leaks from trusted sources like Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman are revealing what is next — and the news is both exciting and controversial.

In this article, we will break down the latest details on Apple’s Vision Pro 2, the rumored Vision Air, expected release timelines, pricing strategies, and what these moves could mean for Apple’s position in the AR/VR market.

Vision Pro 2: An Upgrade in Power, Not in Design

According to leaks, the Vision Pro 2 is slated for a 2025 release. However, unlike what many Apple enthusiasts might expect, the update will not bring sweeping design overhauls or revolutionary new features. Instead, the standout change will be under the hood — Apple plans to swap the current M2 chip for its upcoming M5 chip.

While the jump from M2 to M5 could bring significant performance improvements in speed, efficiency, and graphics handling, this hardware upgrade is the only major change. The Vision Pro 2’s external design, build materials, and most of its features will reportedly remain identical to the first-generation model.

This approach is not new for Apple. Similar refresh cycles have happened in the MacBook lineup, where only the internal chip gets updated while everything else remains untouched. However, given the Vision Pro’s $3,500 starting price, many expected more dramatic changes to justify the purchase for new customers — and perhaps entice those who skipped the first version.

The Price Point Problem

Apple’s decision to keep the Vision Pro 2’s price at $3,500 is raising eyebrows. While the Vision Pro is a technological marvel, its steep cost makes it inaccessible to most consumers, keeping it firmly in the “niche” category.

The challenge here is market penetration. For mass adoption, a product typically needs both competitive pricing and compelling use cases for everyday consumers. By retaining its high price tag without introducing substantial new features, Apple risks slowing its momentum in the mixed reality space.

On the other hand, maintaining a premium position may be part of Apple’s strategy. Much like the Mac Pro or high-end MacBook Pro models, the Vision Pro could remain targeted toward professionals, developers, and specialized industries rather than the average consumer.

Vision Air: Apple’s Affordable Alternative for 2027

While Vision Pro 2’s updates may feel incremental, the more exciting news comes in the form of a rumored Vision Air — a lighter, more affordable mixed reality headset slated for release in 2027.

The Vision Air will reportedly:

• Replace OLED with microLED displays — maintaining high resolution but sacrificing some sharpness compared to the Vision Pro.
• Remove the front-facing EyeSight display — the feature that lets others see your eyes through the headset — to cut manufacturing costs.
• Use fewer sensors, making it more lightweight and more comfortable for extended use.
• Swap the M-series chip for an A-series chip — likely an A20 or newer — similar to the chips in iPhones and iPads, offering good performance while keeping prices down.

Price estimates suggest Vision Air could launch between $1,000 and $2,000, which would dramatically expand Apple’s potential user base. While still expensive compared to gaming-focused VR headsets like Meta Quest, it is a far more attainable entry point than the Vision Pro.

Strategic Positioning: Why Apple Might Go Incremental Now

Some might wonder why Apple is not pushing for a major overhaul in the Vision Pro 2. There are a few likely reasons:

1. Chip Transition Timing – Apple may want to align its headset performance with the rest of its hardware ecosystem.
2. Platform Maturity – VisionOS, Apple’s operating system for the Vision line, is still in early stages. Incremental hardware changes give the software more time to evolve and gain traction with developers.
3. Consumer Readiness – The AR/VR market is still emerging. A radical redesign might not be necessary until demand grows and new use cases become mainstream.

In other words, Apple might be biding its time — refining the tech and waiting for the market to catch up before delivering a game-changing third-generation headset.

Potential Improvements in Vision Pro 2

While the M5 chip is the main highlight, additional enhancements may be introduced in Vision Pro 2. Mark Gurman reports that latency reduction is a key focus for Apple, especially for professional and medical applications like surgical simulations.

Lower latency means smoother interactions, more accurate real-time tracking, and an overall more immersive experience. This could be particularly important for industries where precision is critical, such as training pilots, surgeons, or engineers.

The Bigger Picture: Apple’s Long-Term Mixed Reality Strategy

When we outline Apple’s rumored timeline, a clearer picture emerges:

 

- **2025**: The Vision Pro 2 is expected to launch, featuring an M5 chip, with no major design changes and a premium price point.  

- **2027**: The Vision Air is set to debut as a lighter, more affordable headset that utilizes a mobile-class chip and comes with reduced features.  

• - **2028 and beyond**: There may be a Vision Pro 3 or other high-end models introduced, which could include significant design overhauls and next-generation capabilities.

Apple appears to be setting up a two-tier mixed reality ecosystem:

• Vision Pro – The flagship, high-performance device for professionals and enthusiasts.
• Vision Air – The accessible, consumer-friendly alternative.

This strategy mirrors Apple’s approach with the iPhone Pro vs. standard iPhone, or the MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air. It gives customers clear options without diluting the premium brand image.

Challenges Apple Will Need to Overcome

While the roadmap looks solid, Apple still faces several hurdles in making the Vision lineup a success:

1. Developer Adoption – Without a strong library of VisionOS apps, even the best hardware will struggle to attract buyers.
2. Killer Use Cases – Beyond niche industries, mixed reality still needs mainstream “must-have” experiences to justify the cost.
3. Comfort and Wearability – Reducing weight and improving ergonomics will be essential for long-term use.
4. Competitive Pressure – Companies like Meta, Sony, and Samsung are aggressively pursuing AR/VR markets, often at lower prices.

Final Thoughts

The Vision Pro 2 might not be the revolutionary leap some hoped for, but its M5 upgrade promises stronger performance and better responsiveness. The real disruption, however, may come from the Vision Air — a device that could finally bring Apple’s mixed reality vision to a broader audience.

If Apple can nail the balance between price, comfort, and compelling content, it could replicate its past successes in transforming niche tech into mainstream essentials. Until then, the Vision lineup remains an exciting — if premium-priced — glimpse into the future of immersive computing.

What do you think? Would you pay $3,500 for a Vision Pro 2 with only a chip upgrade, or would you rather wait for the more affordable Vision Air? Share your thoughts in the comments.