Apple prepares to launch its first main replace to the Imaginative and prescient Professional AR/VR headset as early as this 12 months, that includes a quicker M4 processor and a redesigned strap aimed toward addressing consolation complaints which have plagued the $3,499 system since its launch, in accordance with a brand new report.
Apple preps Imaginative and prescient Professional 2 with quicker chip and luxury upgrades
The up to date Imaginative and prescient Professional will embody the M4 chip at the moment discovered within the iPad Professional, MacBook Professional and iMac, in accordance with Bloomberg. That’s an enormous improve from the three-year-old M2 processor within the present mannequin, however it’s not the M5 some sources predicted. Apple additionally exams variations with further cores within the neural engine, the part liable for processing synthetic intelligence duties vital to the headset’s reside imagery and utility processing in digital environments. So these upgrades, together with a vital redesign leading to a lighter weight and extra comfy use, may need to attend for future variations. And that’s at the same time as Apple tries to make progress on sensible AR glasses, too.
Addressing the consolation downside
Apple on engaged on new strap designs particularly engineered to cut back neck pressure and head ache. These are the most typical complaints in regards to the roughly 1.4-pound system. The corporate hopes to handle these consolation points with out considerably decreasing the {hardware}’s weight on this first replace.
The present Imaginative and prescient Professional ships with two strap choices. One wraps across the again of the top and one other additionally goes excessive for higher weight distribution. Regardless of these choices and third-party options, together with bands from sleep apnea masks builders, consolation stays a persistent problem for a lot of customers.
Restricted influence anticipated
Whereas the {hardware} enhancements signify significant upgrades, business observers don’t count on this refresh to dramatically enhance shopper adoption. The worth level is predicted to stay at $3,499. And the elemental weight and bulk points gained’t be absolutely resolved till a extra vital redesign deliberate for 2027.
That future mannequin, at the moment code-named N100, is predicted to be considerably lighter and is being designed with completion focused for subsequent 12 months, Bloomberg mentioned. This represents Apple’s longer-term technique to make the Imaginative and prescient Professional extra interesting to mainstream customers.
Broader product technique
The Imaginative and prescient Professional replace comes as Apple continues to battle with the system’s market reception. The corporate has bought solely lots of of hundreds of models for the reason that February 2024 launch. That falls in need of the transformative success Apple achieved with the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
The headset additionally suffers from an absence of compelling unique purposes, contributing to its lukewarm reception. Apple plans to launch visionOS 3 later this 12 months, which can embody digital widgets and eye-scrolling capabilities to reinforce the consumer expertise.
Competitors heating up
Apple faces rising competitors within the mixed-reality house. Meta provides rival gadgets at a lot cheaper price factors. Samsung plans to launch its Moohan headset later this 12 months with related capabilities however doubtlessly lighter weight and decrease value. Meta can also be advancing towards true AR glasses, with plans for a 2027 launch that might beat Apple to market.
Apple additionally works on different associated merchandise. They embody sensible glasses just like Meta’s Ray-Ban collaboration, focused for late 2026, and true AR glasses deliberate for earlier than 2030. Apple CEO Tim Cook dinner has reportedly made success on this class a key precedence.
