Apple Vision Pro 2 tipped to launch soon with chip, strap and AI upgrades

Apple’s Vision Pro only launched in early 2024, but reports suggest its successor is already close to release. The Vision Pro 2 is expected to bring three notable upgrades: a faster chip, a redesigned strap, and enhanced AI processing.

On the processor front, there is still some uncertainty. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims the headset will debut with Apple’s new M5 chip, while Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman believes the company could instead use the M4. Both options are plausible, but whichever Apple selects, the Vision Pro 2 will gain a processor at least two generations ahead of the original model, with potentially three if the M5 makes the cut. Full specifications of the M5 are expected to arrive soon with the new iPad Pro launch.

Weight has been one of the biggest complaints about the first Vision Pro, with many users reporting neck strain during extended use. While a significantly lighter headset may not arrive until 2027, Bloomberg reports that Vision Pro 2 will introduce a redesigned strap aimed at reducing discomfort. Details remain limited, but this adjustment could deliver a much-needed improvement in everyday usability.

The third upgrade involves artificial intelligence capabilities. Gurman notes that Apple is testing a custom build of the new chip with more neural engine cores. The current Vision Pro includes a 16-core neural engine, but the upgraded version could handle AI-driven tasks more efficiently. These enhancements are particularly important for real-time image processing and complex virtual environments, both of which are central to the Vision Pro experience.