Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports today that Apple is nearing a release of the first update to the Apple Vision Pro hardware.The new model will feature an M4 chip, offering a significant performance upgrade compared to the M2 chip found in the original Vision Pro.Perhaps more importantly, the new Vision Pro will apparently include a redesigned strap.
This will make the headset more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.The primary complaint users have about the Vision Pro is the weight; it is a heavy unit.For the second-generation device, Bloomberg does not expect Apple to significantly change the headset’s weight.
However, the new strap is specifically designed to mitigate issues like neck strain and head pain.The current Vision Pro ships with two straps in the box; a Solo Knit and the Dual Loop band.The Solo Knit is used throughout Apple’s press shots advertising the product, but many users find the Dual Loop more comfortable in day-to-day use as it supports the head with multiple points of contact.
It’s not hard to imagine how Apple can use what it has learned from the experiences of users trying each band, and inventing a new design that is both stylish and more comfortable.The upgraded Vision Pro is considered a stop-gap hardware refresh, as it is unlikely to move the needle on consumer demand, as the price point is not expected to change from the current $3,499 level.However, it modernizes the hardware platform with a new chip, which will get a further boost with the launch of visionOS 26 later this year.
A cheaper and lighter Vision Pro device is currently on track for 2027, Gurman says.This timeline is roughly similar to what Ming-Chi Kuo previously reported.However, Kuo said the 2025 revision would be powered by an M5 chip, whereas Gurman says it is an M4, the same generation of chip that currently powers the latest-generation of iPad and MacBooks.
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