Apple’s mixed reality ambitions could be taking a decisive turn toward accessibility with a new leak suggesting a lighter, thinner headset dubbed the Apple Vision Air.
Industry insider Kosutami has revealed on X that this next-generation spatial computer will shed weight by incorporating titanium not only into its internal frame but also into components like the battery housing and charging connector. By swapping out thicker aluminum parts for titanium in key structural spots, Apple could achieve up to a 20% reduction in headset weight, while advanced thermal engineering may allow compute modules to move to the battery pack—potentially slashing overall mass by as much as 40% when paired with the forthcoming M5 chip.
While titanium handles the bulk of weight savings, the Vision Air’s exterior shell appears destined to remain aluminum, finished in a “midnight” graphite black-blue that nods to the original iPhone 5’s dark hue. This new colorway would mark a stark departure from the Vision Pro’s bright silver-and-white aesthetic, giving the rumored Air model a stealthier, more modern look.
Kosutami’s late-April update even included images of a new Lightning-style connector in this midnight shade, showcasing an anodized aluminum plug thicker than a standard Lightning port yet slimmer than the current Vision Pro’s twelve-pin design—suggesting a comprehensive redesign of both the cable and battery brick.
The choice to use titanium echoes Apple’s strategy with the iPhone 15 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra, where the premium alloy delivers durability without the bulk. In the Vision Air, however, titanium may be reserved for internal plates and connector shells while the outer casing remains largely aluminum, ensuring cost savings to help hit a more competitive price point. Earlier rumors have speculated that Apple may also trim expensive components—potentially removing the external display or paring down some cameras and sensors—to distinguish the Air from its Pro sibling and drive down manufacturing costs.
This leak dovetails with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who reported that Apple is developing two new headsets: one aimed at affordability and weight reduction, and another designed as a high-performance, Mac-tethered device. Given the Vision Pro’s mixed reception, a lighter, more wallet-friendly Vision Air could finally broaden the headset’s appeal beyond early adopters. By leaning on titanium and a refreshed design, Apple may hit the sweet spot between premium hardware and mainstream usability.
Beyond weight relief, the Vision Air could signal wider evolution in Apple’s visionOS strategy. A thinner chassis and revamped battery connector hint at improved comfort for extended wear, while a slimmer profile may open up new opportunities for third‑party head straps and modular accessories. If compute shifts to a more compact housing, developers might see a dedicated external unit that can be upgraded independently of the headset itself, further extending the product’s lifecycle.
Although Kosutami’s track record is mixed, they have accurately leaked FineWoven Apple Watch bands and Thunderbolt 4 cables in the past, lending credibility to their claims. With Apple reportedly targeting a 2025–2026 window for a Vision Pro refresh with the M5 chip, the Vision Air could arrive even sooner, offering a compelling mid‑cycle refresh that leverages existing visionOS infrastructure without waiting for a full second‑generation Pro model.
