Apple is working on two new VR headsets, including a cheaper and lighter Vision Pro 2

The big picture: The Apple Vision Pro generated plenty of buzz, but it fell short commercially due to its astronomical price tag. Despite the lukewarm reception, Apple is reportedly doubling down on the segment with two new VR headsets in development. One of them is said to be a second-generation model aimed at addressing the two biggest issues with the current device.

According to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, the Vision Pro 2 will be lighter than its predecessor. The existing headset weighs a hefty 1.5 pounds, making it uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. It’s also expected to be more affordable than the original Vision Pro, which launched at a staggering $3,500 – pricing out most potential buyers.

Gurman also claims the second-generation Vision Pro will support Mac connectivity, allowing users to view VR content with the same level of immersion as the current model. The updated headset will reportedly feature a low-latency system tailored for critical enterprise applications where minimal lag is essential, such as live surgical imaging and flight simulators.

Apple is also said to be developing another VR headset that will require a Mac connection to function. While Gurman doesn’t provide many details about this device, he notes that it will feature an opaque display system similar to the Vision Pro. It’s expected to be more affordable than the second-generation standalone model.

In addition to the two VR headsets, Apple is reportedly working on a pair of “industry-leading” AR glasses designed for all-day wear. According to Gurman, this is a personal project for CEO Tim Cook, who is said to be heavily involved in ensuring its successful development.

Apple’s AR glasses could resemble Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, but with deeper integration into the Apple ecosystem, featuring Siri and Apple Intelligence. Despite Cook’s personal investment in the project, Gurman warns that the product is still years away from launch.

Apple has been developing its AR glasses for several years but reportedly postponed the effort in 2023 due to significant real-world engineering challenges. However, the company is believed to have refocused on the initiative after Meta unveiled its Orion AR glasses prototype last September.