Apple Vision Pro 2 to Feature Upgraded Chip and Comfortable Strap, Set for Release Later This Year

Apple is set to release an updated Apple Vision Pro with an M4 chip, offering a significant performance upgrade compared to the M2 chip in the original model. The new headset will also feature a redesigned strap for increased comfort and reduced weight, although the overall weight is not expected to change. The upgraded Vision Pro is considered a stop-gap refresh, with a cheaper and lighter model expected in 2027.

Apple Inc. has announced plans to release an updated version of its Vision Pro headset, set to introduce significant performance upgrades and enhanced comfort features. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman [1], the new model will feature an M4 chip, offering a substantial performance boost over the M2 chip found in the original Vision Pro. This upgrade is expected to modernize the hardware platform and will be further enhanced with the launch of visionOS 3 later this year.

The new Vision Pro will also include a redesigned strap, aimed at addressing one of the primary user complaints about the original model: weight and comfort. While the overall weight of the headset is not expected to change significantly, the new strap is designed to mitigate issues like neck strain and head pain. This improvement is crucial for users who plan to wear the headset for extended periods.

The upgraded Vision Pro is considered a stop-gap refresh, with a more substantial redesign and weight reduction planned for 2027. Gurman reports that Apple is currently working on a cheaper and lighter model, code-named N100, which is expected to be released in 2027. This model will likely feature an M5 chip, according to previous reports by Ming-Chi Kuo [2], although Gurman indicates that the 2025 revision will use the M4 chip.

The Vision Pro’s performance and comfort upgrades are part of Apple’s broader strategy to keep the headset relevant in the market until the lighter and cheaper model is ready. Despite the slow initial uptake of the Vision Pro, Apple is hopeful that these updates will encourage corporate customers and app developers to support the technology. The new model will be released at the same price point as the original Vision Pro, $3,499.

In addition to the hardware upgrades, Apple is also working on a tethered headset designed for enterprise applications and reduced lag. This device, code-named N107, was paused several months ago but is still under development. Apple’s focus on the Vision Pro and its related technologies highlights the company’s commitment to the augmented reality and smart glasses market.

The upcoming Vision Pro update is a strategic move by Apple to address the shortcomings of the original model and to position itself for future success in the competitive headset market. As competitors like Meta and Samsung continue to innovate and release new products, Apple is working to stay ahead of the curve and capture a significant share of the market.

References:
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/09/vision-pro-spec-bump-new-strap-2025/
[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-09/apple-readies-first-upgrade-to-its-struggling-vision-pro-headset