Apple’s Got Two New Headsets on the Way But the Real Goal Is Glasses

Apple’s not tapping the brakes on mixed reality anytime soon. After dropping the Vision Pro last year, the company’s already knee deep in developing two new headsets. One is a version that is less expensive and aimed at bringing spatial computing to a wider audience and the other is the next generation Vision Pro which is lighter faster and hopefully much more comfortable to wear. But the real story? Apple is still focused on the bigger goal behind the scenes: stylish everyday augmented reality glasses that could eventually replace your iPhone.

A Cheaper Vision and a Sleeker Pro

Apple's big swing was the Vision Pro, a bold, futuristic device that made it clear where the company sees computing going in the future. However let's be honest: at $3,499 it was never intended for the average person. Now, Apple’s looking to change that. They are working on a headset that will cost less, about $1,500 according to rumors. Still not cheap but a big step closer to something everyday people might actually buy.

It is expected that this less expensive model will still provide the fundamental experience, which includes apps that float in space, immersive videos, and intuitive eye and hand tracking. However, it will probably lack some of the more expensive features, such as ultra thin displays and advanced sensors.

Apple is developing a second-generation Vision Pro at the same time that focuses solely on improving the current model. Think: a lighter design, a longer battery life, and faster under-the-hood performance. In other words, Apple wants to fix things that people didn't like the first time, like how heavy it was to wear, how uncomfortable it was, and that annoying cable that kind of killed the wireless vibe.

But the dream is still in the glasses.

Everything Apple’s doing right now—the Vision Pro, the upcoming budget model, and even the next-gen version—is really just laying the groundwork. The endgame? AR glasses that actually feel and look like something you'd wear every day. Light, stylish, and smart enough to layer digital info seamlessly over the real world. Imagine having your iPhone screen right in front of your eyes no need to pull anything out of your pocket.

The problem? We haven't got there yet. Packing that much tech into a normal looking pair of glasses is seriously hard. Although Apple has made progress with next-generation optics, custom processors, and tiny displays, there are still significant problems to solve, such as keeping the devices cool, making sure the batteries last as long as possible, and making sure they don't look like something out of a sci-fi movie

(unless that's your thing)

We have been informed that those glasses are still a few years away, possibly later this decade. However, Apple isn't slowing down. Every new headset is a step toward that future.

What This Means for You (and the Tech World)

If the Vision Pro felt too expensive or a little too “early adopter” for your taste, the more affordable headset might be worth keeping an eye on. The next-generation Vision Pro could also be a much smoother and more powerful entry point into the world of spatial computing if you are a developer, content creator, or just someone who enjoys being at the forefront of technology.

For Apple, the next few years are all about setting the stage—building an ecosystem, getting people comfortable with the idea of wearing tech on their face, and laying the foundation for what’s coming next. Because when those AR glasses finally arrive, Apple’s not just planning to launch a new device they’re aiming to redefine what personal computing looks like altogether.