Apple is rumored to be making a lighter, cheaper version of its Vision Pro headset, and we now may have an idea of when it will launch — along with how much more affordable it will be.
According to reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is expected to launch its Vision Air headset in 2027. This falls in line with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, stating the lighter headset won't launch for another two years. Interestingly, Kuo has revealed more details about the Vision Air.
Apple Vision Air: What to expect
For one, Kuo states the headset is expected to be 40% lighter than the Vision Pro. Since this current model weighs around 1.3 to 1.4 pounds, we can now expect the Air model to be around 0.8 to 0.9 pounds. To put that into perspective, the Meta Quest 3 weighs 1.1 pounds, so this will be one extremely light mixed-reality headset.
Secondly, the Apple analyst claims it will be "more than 50% cheaper." The Vision Pro starts at $3,499, and was one of the main reasons it didn't take off as Apple wanted it to. This means the Vision Air could cost around $1,799, or less, instead — a far more affordable price, but still a premium cost.
That said, Samsung's Project Moohan is tipped to cost around $1,800, so the Vision Air appears to still be at the right price, if Kuo's claims are accurate. This would put it at the price of a 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro at $1,799 (with 1TB for storage). And considering the Vision Pro's spatial computing capabilities, this isn't out of the realm of possibility.
It would be more expensive than Apple's most popular products, including the rumored iPhone 17 Pro, which is expected to arrive at Apple's upcoming Awe Dropping event. However, Kuo believes Vision Air shipments will reach one million, skyrocketing past the 400,000 units the Vision Pro sold.
Vision Pro with M5 also on the way?
According to Kuo, an Apple Vision Pro successor is also on the way, which has been rumored thanks to leaked code from the Cupertino tech giant. This will arrive with the upgraded M5 chip that's likely to arrive soon (like the M5 MacBook Pro tipped for this October).
The analyst states the Vision Pro with M5 silicon is expected in the second half of 2025. While the Awe Dropping September event should be reserved for the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple Watch 11, AirPods Pro 3 and more, this may make an appearance at an October event.
What's more, while the next Vision Pro is expected to come with the same type of lenses as its predecessor, the Vision Air is tipped to arrive with pancake lenses, à la Meta Quest 3.
The rumored Apple Vision Air may be way down the line, but it's already looking to be a headset that trumps the original Vision Air. In the meantime, we may have a Vision Pro with M5 on our hands, and on September 9, an all-new lineup of iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods Pro models.
For the latest updates and last-minute rumors leading up to the big event, we've got you covered in our iPhone 17 event countdown.
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