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Reports from a Chinese publication suggest that Apple’s next iteration of its mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, might be released by 2025, which differs from earlier forecasts by analysts.
RUMOR
IT Home, a Chinese technology website, citing an anonymous source, reports that large-scale production of the second-generation Apple Vision Pro has started. They anticipate that the product could be available in the market by the end of this year.
This source also mentions that several independent sources have verified the production of crucial components such as display panels and casing parts. Companies involved reportedly include Lens Technology, providing glass panels, and Everwin Precision for the casings. It’s also reported that other electronics manufacturers are fulfilling orders for this upcoming device.
CONTEXT & ANALYSIS
Contrasting Opinions from Industry Observers
The launch of a fully-developed Apple Vision Pro 2 within this year seems improbable. Industry insiders believe that while we might see minor updates to the existing model, a major revision seems unlikely even by 2025.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in January, Apple has no updates planned for the Vision Pro in 2025, with projections instead aiming for a 2026 release. Gurman notes that Apple is currently concentrating on developing a less expensive version of the headset.
The Information has also indicated that Apple has put on hold the development of a direct successor to work on a more budget-friendly model expected by late 2025.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects that a new Vision Pro will begin production in the latter half of 2025, featuring an M5 chip and enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities. Kuo suggests that the more affordable version is likely to be released in 2027.
Speculations Surrounding the M5 Chip’s Timeline
In a report from September, Kuo mentioned that the forthcoming M5-equipped model would undergo minimal changes in hardware and design, implying it’s more of an update rather than a completely new generation.
The M5 chip itself is forecasted to be introduced later this year. Gurman has reported that the first Apple devices to incorporate the new chip will be the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, with production expected in the second half of 2025. It seems unlikely that Apple would prioritize a specialized product like the Vision Pro for an early M5 rollout.
Apple recently updated its visionOS to version 2.4, which for the first time introduces Apple Intelligence to the existing Vision Pro model, along with new features for spatial content.