Apple is reportedly working on a significant overhaul of its Vision Pro headset, exploring new designs that prioritize a lighter form factor and potentially integrate more components, according to recent reports. This initiative, operating under the codename N224, aims to address feedback on the current model and could see a successor launched between late 2028 and early 2029.
Rethinking Vision Pro Design
The tech giant is examining several new concepts for the Vision Pro, with a particular focus on reducing its weight and improving wearability. Early efforts on a lighter version, codenamed N100 (speculated as 'Vision Air'), were reportedly shelved last year. However, the new N224 project signals a renewed commitment to evolving the device.
Apple is said to be testing various materials, including plastic, titanium, and other metals, in its quest to make the headset less cumbersome. One key area of exploration involves the device's computing hardware and battery. Currently, the Vision Pro uses an external battery pack.
Learning from Competitors
Intriguingly, one of Apple's design concepts reportedly takes inspiration from Meta's latest VR glasses, which integrate all computing hardware and battery directly into the headset itself. This suggests Apple is considering a shift away from its external 'puck' battery design, although that approach is also still under consideration.
The development push comes on the heels of Meta's launch of new VR glasses, which boast AI-powered capabilities, eye-tracking, and other advanced features. Apple's renewed focus on a more streamlined and potentially self-contained Vision Pro could be a direct response to the evolving competitive landscape in the extended reality market.