Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple analyst, says the company has pushed back the launch of a lower-cost version of the Vision headset from 2025 to 2027. The note, circulated to investors and industry watchers, signals a pause while Apple reconsiders how to position spatial computing in its broader lineup. In the United States and Canada, the timing matters for pricing, accessibility, and how the market will respond to a more affordable AR/VR experience.
Earlier rumors pointed to a budget Vision built with cheaper materials, lower-resolution displays, and no EyeSight—a feature that helps users see the real world around them. The goal behind such a variant was to widen access to spatial computing beyond premium buyers. However, Kuo now indicates those plans are on hold, and the company is reassessing whether a budget option makes sense in the near term.
At the same time, Kuo reiterated that Apple plans an updated Vision Pro with an M5 processor and enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities slated for release next year. Specifics about additional hardware upgrades remain unconfirmed, but the direction suggests a tighter integration of AI-driven experiences with high-end mixed reality hardware, especially in North American markets where Apple has a strong footprint.
The analyst drew a parallel between a cheaper Vision and Apple’s HomePod mini, noting that even after the mini’s introduction, smart speakers did not instantly become mainstream products. He estimates the 2027 Vision headset could carry a price in the vicinity of two thousand dollars, which would place it in a premium segment even as Apple explores broader access to spatial computing.
Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset built around the Apple M2 processor and an accompanying R1 support chip. It was unveiled at WWDC 2023 and began shipping in the United States on February 2, 2024. Vision Pro can operate via a power adapter or an optional external battery, offering flexibility for extended use in professional or consumer environments.
Earlier reports suggested Apple developed a processor with strong gaming capabilities, hinting at ambitions beyond productivity and media consumption. The current roadmap continues to emphasize high-performance graphics and immersive experiences, reinforcing Apple’s push into immersive computing as a broader strategic play in North American markets and beyond.