Apple has shifted its focus away from a second generation Vision Pro and toward a more affordable augmented reality headset. The company reduced staffing on the Vision Pro 2 program and paused contracts with component suppliers, according to reporting from The Information as relayed by MacRumor.
In earlier plans, Apple considered releasing two headsets: the premium Vision Pro and a lower-cost model. Now, development priority for Vision Pro 2 has diminished. The strategy centers on trimming the cost of the current Vision Pro’s components while exploring an updated display for the coming budget version.
Sources indicate that work on the budget AR glasses, code-named N109, began in 2022 with an initial target price around $1,600, aligning with top-tier iPhone models. The original schedule called for a late-2024 debut, but the prototype did not reach completion. At present, Apple appears intent on slashing costs as much as possible without sacrificing essential features, a move that is likely to push any formal reveal beyond 2025.
The budget model is expected to retain the high-quality displays seen in the first-generation Vision Pro. It will feature fewer cameras, a simpler head-mounted support system, and less powerful speakers. Additionally, the new device is projected to be about a third lighter than the flagship unit, improving comfort and wearability for longer sessions.
Recent updates about iPhone software show that iOS 18 has contributed to noticeable performance gains for Apple devices, improving overall speed and responsiveness for users who rely on a seamless ecosystem across products.