Apple Is Reportedly Building Two New Vision Pro Headsets—One Cheaper, One for the Pros

After months of speculation and underwhelming user response, Apple is shifting its strategy for the Vision Pro headset. And instead of backing down, it’s doubling down—with two new versions reportedly in the works. One will aim to be more accessible and affordable for everyday users. The other? A performance-focused model designed to be plugged into a Mac, tailored for professionals.

If you’ve been on the fence about Apple’s mixed reality ambitions, this is the clearest signal yet that they’re in it for the long haul. But they're also pivoting to make the platform work on more than one level.

Vision Pro Was Never Going to Be for Everyone

Let’s be honest—the original Vision Pro wasn’t built for the masses. At $3,499 (around ₹3,00,000), it cost more than most of Apple’s laptops. It was bulky too, and many users reported discomfort wearing it for more than an hour. Some even returned it, saying it just didn’t feel ready for daily use.

Apple might have sensed this early on, but when you’ve already invested billions into developing a new platform, you don’t just walk away. What we’re seeing now is a recalibration. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is actively working on two new headsets—each serving a very different audience.

A Slimmer, Cheaper Headset Is on the Way

The first is a lighter, more affordable Vision Pro that could bring Apple’s spatial computing dreams to a broader audience. Gurman reports that Apple is aiming to drop the price significantly—possibly down to around $1,600. That’s still expensive, but it’s at least in the ballpark of a high-end iPhone or MacBook Air.

To get there, Apple may ditch some of the premium components. Expect a plastic body instead of metal, a less advanced display, and possibly a switch from the M2 chip to an A-series processor—the same kind that powers iPhones.

The real selling point might be comfort. The original Vision Pro is heavy—almost 1kg with the external battery. A lighter model could fix one of the biggest user complaints and open the door to longer usage sessions, whether that’s watching a movie in bed or browsing in AR mode.

The Second Model Could Be a Powerhouse for Professionals

While one version is being built for broader appeal, the second one is being designed with serious professionals in mind. Think surgeons, pilots, engineers—the kind of users who need low-latency, high-precision visual tools.

Unlike the wireless first-gen Vision Pro, this new model will be tethered to a Mac. Why? To eliminate latency. For high-stakes tasks like surgical planning or flight simulation, even the slightest lag can cause problems. By plugging into a Mac directly, Apple can deliver near-instant responsiveness—something wireless headsets can’t quite match yet.

This headset will keep the immersive visuals of the Vision Pro but with pro-level performance. It’s not the transparent AR glasses some expected, but it may be more useful in the real world—especially for enterprise applications.

What About India?

The Vision Pro hasn’t officially launched in India, and Apple has said little about when—or if—that might change. But a lighter and more affordable model could be the key to making it viable in markets like India, where even premium iPhones face pricing pressure.

If Apple does follow through, this could be the first real chance for Indian users to experience Vision Pro—without having to import a unit or spend the price of a used car.

Via