The tech world is buzzing with whispers of Apple’s next move in the immersive tech arena. Beyond the already groundbreaking Vision Pro, rumors are swirling about two new iterations in the pipeline, promising a future where the lines between reality and digital realms blur even further. What will these next-generation headsets bring to the table? Are we talking enhanced visuals, groundbreaking haptic feedback, or something entirely unforeseen?
Next-Gen Studio Displays: Speculation and Potential Impacts
Two Models in the Works: Exploring the “J427” and “J527” code names and Apple’s possible strategy for selecting one or releasing both.
Unionjournalism has recently heard rumors that Apple is working on the next generation of its Studio Display, and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman now reports that there may actually be two new models in the works. Building on his previous reporting about a potential update to the 2022 Studio Display that could be released next year, Gurman writes this weekend in the Power On newsletter that sources have told him “Apple is working on a second new monitor.” The first is code-named J427, while the second is reportedly being referred to as J527. This suggests Apple could be exploring multiple directions with its next-generation Studio Displays, potentially addressing various market segments and user needs.
Addressing the Age Gap: Analyzing the significance of updated Studio Display models considering the age of the current offerings.
It’s been three years since Apple introduced the $1,599 27-inch Studio Display and twice that since the release of the $5,000 Pro Display XDR. Considering the age of both monitors, Gurman says one of two scenarios may play out, either that “Apple is developing both and will choose one to launch, or it’s a second model with a different screen size or set of specifications.” This strategy aligns with Apple’s typical product lifecycle management, where periodic refreshes ensure competitiveness and keep offerings relevant.
Market Implications: Discussing how new Studio Displays might impact the professional display market and Apple’s competitive positioning.
The introduction of new Studio Display models, particularly if they address the needs of different user groups, could significantly impact the professional display market. Apple’s existing Studio Display occupies a niche space, offering a balance of premium features and affordability. However, with competitors constantly innovating, Apple needs to ensure its displays remain competitive in terms of resolution, color accuracy, connectivity options, and overall performance. The potential release of two models, each catering to specific demands, could allow Apple to expand its reach and solidify its position as a leader in the professional display segment.
Vision Pro 2: Iteration or Revolution?
Apple’s foray into the XR wearable segment may not have stirred the same kind of success that it tasted with the likes of the iPhone or the Apple Watch, but the company is still moving ahead with future iterations. While plans of a cheaper headset may have been pushed, the Vision Pro could get a successor within a year, or so. In the latest edition of his PowerOn newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman writes that Apple might introduce the second-generation Vision Pro headset somewhere between fall 2025 and spring 2026. That window puts the official reveal in roughly the same frame as the launch of updated iPhones and the sporadic Mac hardware.
As far as changes go, Apple is reportedly experimenting with multiple ideas. But Gurman claims that one of the design candidates for the Vision Pro 2 would look exactly like its predecessor. That won’t be out of character for Apple, as the company regularly iterates on internal hardware without changing the external aesthetics of its gear across the iPhone, Mac, or Apple Watch portfolio. It sounds like a sane strategy for a Vision Pro successor because it’s a product with arguably the most sophisticated engineering work that Apple has delivered in years. It would make sense — especially from an R&D investment perspective — to maintain the fundamental architecture and make upgrades where it’s needed, which is added processing firepower and a refined software experience.
Talking about upgrades, Bloomberg has previously reported that the second-gen Vision Pro would likely be upgraded to the M5 silicon. Apple is currently busy overhauling the Mac lineup with M4 series processors, an exercise that will continue well into 2025. According to well-known industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the next Vision Pro headset could enter production in the second half of 2025 and will bring a switch from M2 to an M5-class processor. Another notable upgrade will reportedly be support for Apple Intelligence.
In the meanwhile, Apple has also started conducting internal research around smart glasses. Earlier this year, the likes of Meta and Snap showcased their respective work on smart glasses, with a focus on interactive AR applications running atop bespoke hardware. Apple apparently doesn’t want to miss out on the race. “With smart glasses, the company could approach the category from a number of directions. That includes essentially creating a version of its AirPods in glasses form,” Gurman writes. So far, Apple hasn’t officially commented on its future XR ambitions, so take these predictions with a healthy dose of skepticism, for now.
Apple’s Vision Pro 2: Rumored Release Window and Design
According to recent reports, Apple is working on two new versions of its Vision Pro headset, with a rumored release window between fall 2025 and spring 2026. The Vision Pro 2 is expected to feature internal upgrades, with a familiar external design that maintains the fundamental architecture of its predecessor.
Apple’s strategy of iterating on internal hardware without changing the external aesthetics of its gear is not new. The company has regularly followed this approach across its iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch portfolio. This approach makes sense, especially from an R&D investment perspective, as it allows the company to focus on refining the software experience and adding processing firepower where needed.
Rumored Release Window
The rumored release window for the Vision Pro 2 puts it in the same frame as the launch of updated iPhones and sporadic Mac hardware. This suggests that Apple may be planning to release the Vision Pro 2 in conjunction with its annual iPhone refresh cycle.
Mark Gurman, a well-known Apple analyst, has previously reported that the Vision Pro 2 could be released in the second half of 2025. This timeline would allow Apple to refine the software experience and add processing firepower to the headset before its release.
Design and External Aesthetics
The Vision Pro 2 is expected to maintain the same external design as its predecessor, with a focus on refining the internal hardware. This approach allows Apple to focus on improving the user experience and adding new features without changing the overall design language of the headset.
The Vision Pro 2 is expected to be a product with sophisticated engineering work, and maintaining the fundamental architecture makes sense from an R&D investment perspective. This approach also allows Apple to iterate on its existing design language, refining it to better meet the needs of its users.
M5 Powerhouse and AI Integration
The Vision Pro 2 is expected to feature an M5-class processor, which would provide a significant upgrade in processing power compared to the M2 chip used in the original Vision Pro. The M5 processor would allow for more complex and demanding applications, such as advanced AI-powered vision and spatial audio.
Support for Apple Intelligence is also expected to be a key feature of the Vision Pro 2. Apple Intelligence is a technology that uses AI to analyze and understand the user’s behavior, preferences, and needs. This technology would allow the Vision Pro 2 to provide a more personalized and intuitive experience for users.
Benefits of the M5 Processor
The M5 processor would provide several benefits for the Vision Pro 2, including:
- Improved performance and responsiveness
- Enhanced AI-powered vision and spatial audio
- Increased power efficiency and battery life
- A more personalized and intuitive experience for users
- Improved accuracy and relevance of visual and audio content
- Enhanced overall user experience and engagement
Benefits of AI Integration
The integration of Apple Intelligence would provide several benefits for the Vision Pro 2, including:
Apple’s XR Expansion
The Vision Pro 2 is part of Apple’s broader strategy for the extended reality market. The company has been investing heavily in AR and VR technology, and the Vision Pro 2 would be a key product in this space.
Apple’s XR expansion would allow the company to expand its ecosystem and offer a more comprehensive range of products and services to its users. This would include:
- A more seamless and integrated experience across devices
- Improved compatibility and interoperability between devices
- A wider range of applications and services available to users
Beyond the Headset: Apple’s Smart Glasses Ambitions
Apple is also exploring the possibility of entering the smart glasses market. The company has been conducting internal research on this topic, and there have been rumors of a potential smart glasses product in the works.
Smart glasses would be a natural extension of Apple’s existing product lineup, and would allow the company to offer a more comprehensive range of wearable devices to its users. This would include:
- A more seamless and integrated experience across devices
- Improved compatibility and interoperability between devices
- A wider range of applications and services available to users
- Improved compatibility and interoperability between devices
- A wider range of applications and services available to users
- A more seamless and integrated experience across devices
Design and External Aesthetics
Apple’s smart glasses would likely resemble its AirPods, with a focus on simplicity and elegance. The design would be designed to be comfortable and unobtrusive, with a focus on providing a seamless and intuitive user experience.
The smart glasses would be designed to work in conjunction with the Vision Pro 2 and other Apple devices, providing a more comprehensive and integrated experience for users. This would include:
Entering the Smart Glasses Arena
Apple’s entry into the smart glasses market would be a natural extension of its existing product lineup. The company has a proven track record of innovation and design, and would be well-positioned to offer a high-quality and user-friendly smart glasses product.
The smart glasses market is still in its early stages, and there are many opportunities for innovation and disruption. Apple’s entry into this market would be a significant development, and would likely have a major impact on the industry as a whole.
Competition and Innovation
The smart glasses market is highly competitive, with many established players and newcomers vying for market share. Apple’s entry into this market would be a significant development, and would likely lead to increased competition and innovation in the space.
The smart glasses market is still in its early stages, and there are many opportunities for innovation and disruption. Apple’s entry into this market would be a significant development, and would likely have a major impact on the industry as a whole.
Conclusion
Apple’s ambition in the mixed-reality space is undeniably clear. Reports suggest the company is refining its Vision Pro headset with two new iterations, each aiming to solidify Apple’s position at the forefront of this burgeoning technology. One model is rumored to be a lighter, more affordable version, potentially broadening access to the Vision Pro’s capabilities. The other, however, points towards a more robust, professional-grade device, hinting at Apple’s intention to cater to enterprise and industrial applications. These developments raise significant questions about the future of work, entertainment, and human interaction. Will the Vision Pro become the ubiquitous tool for collaboration and communication that Apple envisions? Will the mixed-reality experience evolve beyond the confines of entertainment and gaming, transforming industries like healthcare, education, and design? The answers remain shrouded in the mists of time, but one thing is certain: Apple’s foray into mixed reality is a bold step that could fundamentally reshape the way we live, work, and perceive the world around us. The stage is set, and the curtain is about to rise on a new chapter in human-technology interaction.