Apple Tests New Vision Headset Designs Amid Uncertain Launch Plans [Gurman]

Apple is testing several designs for a lighter Vision headset, but the project has no guaranteed path to release, according to Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter.

The work is code-named N224. Engineers are exploring about four concepts, including versions that shift components out of the headset into a separate unit. Some senior decision-makers see that external puck as a poor user experience and favor a self-contained design.

One design retains the current Vision Pro's egg-shaped form while testing plastic, titanium and other materials to reduce weight. The separate puck being explored would house both the computer and battery. Apple wants any successor to be lighter and less expensive than the current model.

The effort is on 'life support' while Apple weighs a new direction. If it reaches the market, the headset is unlikely to arrive before late 2028 or early 2029. For now, the company is focused on displayless smart glasses.

The unsettled roadmap follows scaled-back work on future Vision Pro hardware and cuts to the Vision team. Apple retail employees say many stores around the world are lucky to sell one Vision Pro a month.

The Vision hardware group has also moved down a level under Apple's new leadership. Fletcher Rothkopf, its hardware chief, now reports to vice president Tom Marieb under chief hardware officer Johny Srouji. Rothkopf's predecessor, Paul Meade, left for OpenAI in June.

CEO John Ternus has told colleagues that the current Vision Pro is most likely a stepping stone to another product. Senior leaders on the Vision team are pressing to keep the headset category funded as N224 remains uncertain.