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Apple hasn't given up on the Vision Pro yet: Internally, four concepts for a completely redesigned headset are on the table. One of them is reminiscent of Meta's new VR headset. Whether it will become a product, however, is uncertain – unlike the headset that Apple aims to have ready by the end of 2027.
The information comes from Bloomberg's Apple newsletter of September 27th. The occasion is Meta's new VR glasses, which outsource computing power and battery to an external module, making them significantly lighter than traditional headsets. The report draws a parallel between this and Apple's own plans for head-mounted VR.
The news comes at a difficult time for the Apple Vision Pro. The team was downsized shortly before John Ternus took office, the display project for a more affordable model is considered terminated, and the new CEO is publicly defending the device.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Apple is working on a completely redesigned vision headset under the code name N224.
- Four concepts are under discussion, one of which involves outsourced technology in an external module.
- Some members of the leadership believe that an outsourced solution will result in a poor user experience.
- The project is considered "on life support"; a start could be expected no earlier than the end of 2028 or the beginning of 2029.
- The glasses are expected to be released in some form by the end of 2027.
Four ways to get the new headset
According to the report, Apple engineers are testing four concepts for a new headset under the codename N224. One of these concepts moves some of the technology from the head-mounted device into a separate module, similar to Meta's new VR glasses. This would make the headset itself lighter.
This very concept is meeting with internal resistance. Several high-ranking employees believe an outsourced solution would result in a poor user experience – their experience with the external battery of the current Vision Pro apparently plays a role in this. A device that integrates everything is preferred. However, building such a device that is also lighter and cheaper is considered a major technical hurdle.
N224 would thus be the successor to the current Vision Pro with M5 chip, which has been on the market since its refresh in 2025.
At the earliest, the end of 2028 – if at all
There is no firm date. Bloomberg describes the project as "on life support," meaning there is no guarantee of a market launch. If it does happen, late 2028 or early 2029 would be realistic.
This information isn't new. Bloomberg reported in early September that a revised successor wasn't expected before the end of 2028. What is new are the four concepts and the internal debate about the form factor. Bloomberg has a good track record with Apple's hardware plans, but the timeframe is explicitly contingent on the project continuing at all.
The back and forth about the Vision Pro
The reports of the past few months paint an inconsistent picture. This shows how uncertain the future of the headset is internally.
| Time | Status |
|---|---|
| End of April 2026 | Report: Apple is said to have abandoned the project |
| May 2026 | Report: Development continues despite restructuring |
| July 2026 | Display project for a more affordable Vision Pro on the verge of being scrapped |
| August/September 2026 | Job cuts in the Vision team, approximately 100 positions |
| September 27, 2026 | Four concepts for N224, project "on life support" |
We believe both positions are compatible: The display project for a more affordable Vision Pro has been stopped, but work continues on a successor – with significantly less staff and momentum than at the market launch in 2024.
The glasses remain the more important project
Apple's stated goal for the Glasses remains unchanged: Apple intends to launch them in some form by the end of 2027. This timeframe has been circulating since May, and Bloomberg confirms its own earlier statement – this is consistent, but not independent confirmation.
According to current rumors, the first version will be based on Meta's Ray-Ban glasses: speakers, camera and AI functions, but no display. A display in the lens would only follow in a later generation.
Why Apple is hesitating on the headset
The situation is clearly defined. The glasses have a target release date, the headset a codename and four concepts, but no commitment. In Germany, the current Vision Pro, after the summer price round, costs around €4,000 – a cheaper model is not in sight for the time being without the display project.
We therefore don't expect Apple to unveil a new headset before the Vision Pro. Only once the glasses are selling well will it be clear whether N224 will receive the resources needed for a lighter all-in-one device. Anyone considering a Vision Pro shouldn't expect a successor in the near future.
Would you prefer a lightweight headset with an external processing module that fits in your pocket – or is a device that combines everything essential for you? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
