Apple's foray into the mixed reality space with the Vision Pro hasn't set the market on fire, but indications are that the tech giant is pushing ahead with a successor—the Apple Vision Pro 2. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has hinted that we could see this updated version as early as next year, likely powered by the unannounced M5 chip.

While specific details about the Vision Pro 2 remain scarce, Kuo noted that it will likely debut before a more affordable model, tentatively referred to as Vision Pro SE. Unfortunately, reports suggest that this budget version has faced delays and may not arrive until after 2027.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman corroborates Kuo's predictions, mentioning that Apple is working on a "chip upgrade" and a lower-cost headset featuring simplified technology. However, he didn’t provide clear timelines for when these headsets might hit the market.

The original Apple Vision Pro has garnered a reputation for its sophisticated technology. Mark Spoonauer, Global Editor in Chief at Tom's Guide, praised it as "amazing, immersive, and pricey." Yet, after a month of usage, he described it as "entertaining, heavy, and a bit lonely." The hefty price tag of $3,500 has deterred many potential buyers, leading to a surge of returns, as consumers struggle to justify the investment in such a niche product.

Even Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged during an interview with the Wall Street Journal that the Vision Pro is primarily aimed at early adopters and is "not a mass market product." Reports suggest that Apple might halt production of the Vision Pro headset by November due to lackluster demand, despite plans for international rollouts.

While one might assume that a lower-cost version of the Vision Pro could stimulate sales, this move doesn’t align with Apple’s strategy. The slow sales of the Vision Pro may encourage caution for future models, yet the company seems intent on further exploring mixed reality.

In an exciting development, Gurman suggests that Apple may also be exploring smart glasses that would connect to an iPhone. This could allow for smaller, lighter glasses by offloading processing power to the phone—a move reminiscent of the innovative Xreal Air 2 Pro.

Smart glasses aren’t a novel concept, but they represent a significant opportunity for Apple to enhance its visionOS lineup in a more consumer-friendly manner. If priced as an accessory rather than a standalone product, they could replicate the success seen with the Apple Watch.

Ultimately, it remains uncertain when these glasses might be unveiled or whether the Vision Pro 2 will adhere to Kuo's 2025 timeline. For now, the market waits with bated breath to see Apple's next move in mixed reality over the next year. Stay tuned for more updates!