Apple is preparing a new chapter in its spatial computing lineup with Vision Air, a headset that will finally tackle two of the biggest complaints about the Vision Pro: its heavy build and its high price. Set to arrive in 2027, Vision Air is designed to be lighter, cheaper, and far more approachable for everyday users.
While Vision Pro showed what Apple’s vision of mixed reality could look like, it has struggled to reach a wider audience. Its $3,499 price and bulky form factor have kept it firmly in the hands of early adopters. Vision Air, on the other hand, looks like Apple’s attempt to make the technology more practical and appealing to a broader base.
The new headset is expected to be more than 40% lighter than the Vision Pro, cutting the weight from 1.375 pounds to under a pound. That kind of drop could make it comfortable enough to wear for extended sessions instead of short bursts. On the price side, Vision Air is projected to cost more than 50% less, bringing it down to around $1,500 to $1,700. The figure is still well above competitors like the $500 Meta Quest 3, but it is far more manageable compared to the Vision Pro and puts it closer to the range of high-end Macs or what a foldable iPhone might cost.
Apple is expected to achieve these reductions by changing how the headset is built. Reports point to lighter materials like titanium inside the frame, a thinner design, and a redesigned battery setup. Vision Air may also use fewer sensors and cameras or drop features like EyeSight to balance performance with affordability. The result would still deliver a Vision Pro-like experience, but in a form that makes sense for more people.
This roadmap also highlights how Apple is pacing its headset strategy. A refreshed Vision Pro is expected in the near future with an M4 chip and a redesigned comfort strap, but that version will still sit at the same premium price. Vision Air in 2027 is meant to be the real step change. TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple could sell as many as one million units in its first year, a big leap compared to the fewer than 400,000 Vision Pro units expected to ship.
(via Ming-Chi Kuo)
