Apple's cheaper, lighter Vision Pro successor may not launch until 2028
Washington, June 1
Apple is continuing work on a cheaper and lighter successor to its Vision Pro headset, but the next-generation device is unlikely to arrive before late 2028 or 2029.
According to Mac Rumours, Apple is still exploring a follow-up to the Vision Pro, which debuted as the company's premium mixed-reality headset.
However, the project appears to be on a longer timeline as Apple works to address two key challenges: reducing the device's weight and lowering its price.
According to Mac Rumours, Apple needs to develop a slimmer design for the Vision Pro, which currently carries a price tag of USD 3,499, before it can make a meaningful return to the category.
As per the reports obtained by Mac Rumours, the headset business is essentially "on ice" until those goals are achieved. The planned Vision Pro successor is distinct from the long-rumoured "Vision Air." That project was reportedly cancelled last year.
While work on a future Vision headset continues, Apple's immediate attention has reportedly shifted to smart glasses.
As per Mac Rumours, the company's smart glasses initiative has become a primary focus, with former members of the Vision Products Group reassigned to that effort.
According to the report, Apple is now targeting "late 2027" for the release of its first smart glasses.
The latest update follows Apple's refresh of the Vision Pro lineup in October 2025, when the company introduced an updated version of the headset powered by its M5 chip.
The reported timeline suggests that Apple's broader wearable computing strategy may prioritise smart glasses in the near term, while development of a more accessible Vision Pro successor continues behind the scenes.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Smart glasses make more sense for our country anyway. Imagine using them for navigation in crowded Indian streets or for live translation at work. Vision Pro is just a fancy toy for rich folks. Good that Apple is finally shifting focus! 🎯
As a developer in Bangalore, I was hoping for a more affordable Vision Pro to build apps for. But 2028-2029 is basically a decade after the original announcement. Apple's wearable strategy feels disjointed. Meanwhile, Meta's Quest 3 is already decent for the price.
Ye to bahut late ho jayega! 😅 By 2028, we'll have flying cars in India maybe. But on a serious note, smart glasses for navigation and translation would be a game changer for our tourism sector. Apple should launch those first in India.
I appreciate Apple taking time to make it lighter and cheaper, but 'late 2028' is essentially killing the product line. They should at least release a developer kit earlier. The M5 refresh in 2025 feels like a Band-Aid solution.
Smart glasses 2027? Finally something practical! I can imagine using them for online shopping while seeing the product in AR, or for virtual meetings without looking odd. Apple should prioritize India for launch - we have a huge youth market for this tech. ✨
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