Next-Generation Apple Vision Pro Delayed: What to Expect in the Coming Years

Introduction

Apple's foray into spatial computing with the Vision Pro has been met with both excitement and skepticism. While the device represents a technological marvel, its high price tag and limited market appeal have raised questions about the future of the product line. According to recent reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, those hoping for a successor to the original Vision Pro will need to exercise patience — at least two more years.

Mark Gurman's Latest Insights

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman pushes back against suggestions that Apple has abandoned the Vision Pro entirely. He notes that the company continues to explore new technologies and materials with the goal of producing a cheaper, lighter enclosed headset. However, no such product is currently in active development. This means the next-generation model is still on the drawing board, but not yet in the pipeline.

Current Development Status

Gurman explains that the bulk of Apple's mixed-reality hardware talent has been reassigned to other projects, including lightweight smart glasses and AI development. As a result, if a new Vision Pro-style device does materialize, it's unlikely to arrive for "around two more years at least." The delay stems from the shift in priorities within Apple's Vision Products Group.

The Canceled 'Vision Air' Project

Rumors have long circulated about a more affordable version of the Vision Pro, often referred to as the "Vision Air". According to Gurman, that project was canceled last year. Apple instead decided to focus resources on other form factors that might achieve broader consumer adoption.

Apple's Shift in Focus: Smart Glasses and AI Wearables

The company's strategic pivot is evident in the reallocation of talent. Former members of the Vision Products Group have been moved to the smart glasses team, as well as to projects strengthening Siri chatbot development and other AI-powered wearables. This indicates a broader ambition to integrate augmented reality into everyday devices rather than a dedicated headset.

Smart Glasses as Priority

Apple's smart glasses initiative is now the primary focus. These lightweight glasses aim to provide a less intrusive AR experience, potentially appealing to a much larger audience than the bulky Vision Pro. The reassignment of engineers suggests that Apple sees greater long-term potential in this form factor.

Other Wearables: AirPods with Cameras and AI Pendant

Beyond smart glasses, Apple is exploring other innovative wearables. Reports indicate development of AirPods with integrated cameras and an AI pendant — devices that could enable new spatial computing and health-tracking capabilities. These projects reflect Apple's desire to embed AR and AI into devices people already wear.

Retail Challenges and Vision Pro Launch

The Vision Pro's troubled retail launch has been documented recently in a book by Noam Scheiber, a labor reporter for the New York Times. Scheiber argues that Apple's decade-long erosion of its retail workforce directly contributed to the disappointing launch of the $3,499 headset. Poor in-store demonstrations and inadequate training may have dampened initial sales and consumer interest.

This retail friction, combined with the high price, likely influenced Apple's decision to slow down work on a successor and instead explore more accessible form factors.

The M5 Refresh and What It Means

Despite the long wait for a true successor, Apple did refresh the Vision Pro in October 2025 with an updated model featuring the M5 chip. This mid-cycle upgrade provided a performance boost but did not change the core design or introduce new features. It serves as a stopgap for early adopters while Apple works on future generations.

However, this refresh does not indicate a renewed commitment to the product line. Instead, it may be a way to keep the current model competitive until a more significant overhaul arrives.

Conclusion

Apple's vision for spatial computing is far from abandoned, but the timeline has clearly shifted. The company is betting on smart glasses and AI wearables as the next big frontiers, while the Vision Pro remains a niche product that will see a successor only after two years or more. For enthusiasts and developers, patience will be key as Apple iterates behind the scenes.

For more details, check out our coverage of Gurman's previous reports or read about the retail launch issues.