Apple fans eager for the next-generation Vision Pro headset may have to wait a while, as reports suggest it won’t hit the shelves until 2026. According to tech insider Mark Gurman’s “Power On” newsletter, Apple is working on an upgraded Vision Pro featuring an as-yet-unannounced M5 chip, expected to land sometime between fall 2025 and spring 2026. This aligns with recent predictions by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who also hinted at a 2025 release, indicating that Apple is investing in advanced internals over radical design changes for its next Vision Pro.
The current Vision Pro, released in 2023, already packs Apple’s powerful M2 chip. But by 2026, Apple’s M6 chip is anticipated to be on the horizon, making the M5 a solid mid-generation upgrade that keeps the headset competitive without overhauling its design. Apple seems to be planning for a second-generation Vision Pro that maximizes its existing supply of parts from the original model. This means the new headset might keep a similar look, focusing instead on internal advancements and the integration of Apple’s latest AI-powered features.
Beyond just the Vision Pro, Apple has been actively researching the smart glasses market, reportedly enlisting employees to evaluate consumer interest in products like Snapchat Spectacles and Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. These devices let users record video, make calls, and play music, blending wearability with connectivity. Gurman even speculated on the possibility of an AirPods-like device in glasses form, signaling Apple’s potential interest in glasses with built-in audio, paving the way for more immersive, audio-augmented wearables.
The Vision Pro 2 is shaping up to be a game-changer for Apple, moving further into the world of mixed-reality devices. While a 2026 release may feel like a long wait, Apple’s track record suggests that they’re committed to delivering a refined, premium product that redefines the AR experience. For now, the current Vision Pro remains Apple’s flagship headset, offering a glimpse of the future as we await the Vision Pro 2 and the potential of Apple’s smart glasses ecosystem to come.
