The path forward for Apple’s Vision Pro successor is unclear as engineers evaluate four distinct headset concepts under project N224. This development was shared by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman on September 27, noting that Apple is exploring designs that would remove certain hardware from the headset itself.
This initiative seeks to decrease weight and enhance comfort while preserving mixed reality features. Apple has not verified the existence of the project or any potential release timeline. According to Gurman, the effort is currently on “life support” as the company weighs a fresh strategic direction.
Development of the Apple Vision Pro follow-up continues within Apple’s Vision team, even as interest surrounding smart glasses intensifies. Engineers are evaluating multiple prototypes that could alter how power and computing are managed by the device. One proposed layout involves shifting internal parts into an external puck linked via a cable.
An alternative approach maintains the majority of the hardware within the headset body while utilizing lighter components. This method highlights Apple’s effort to tackle the weight issue without discarding the all-in-one headset structure.
The external puck proposal has reportedly sparked debate among Apple executives regarding day-to-day usability. Certain leaders lean toward retaining a hardware configuration that closely resembles the existing Vision Pro.
Apple currently relies on a cable to separate the headset from its battery. Offloading additional processing hardware could further alleviate the weight pressing against the wearer’s face. Additionally, the company is reportedly aiming to make any future model both lighter and more affordable than the current version.
Debuting in 2024 at a starting price of USD 3,499, the original Vision Pro faced difficulty achieving widespread traction. Its steep price tag and heavy build have persisted as primary hurdles for broader consumer uptake.
While investigating lighter headset designs, Apple has redirected resources toward other wearable devices. Past reports also pointed out that Apple scaled back several enclosed headset initiatives during 2026.
John Ternus, Apple’s hardware chief, maintains an optimistic outlook regarding the platform’s long-term viability. Ternus drew parallels between the current phase of the Vision Pro and the formative days of personal computers. “We’re going to continue to grow and find more and more compelling use cases,” Ternus stated, additionally characterizing the platform’s outlook as “very bright” during a recent conversation.
Concurrently, Apple is reportedly placing a stronger focus on upcoming displayless smart glasses. Gurman’s most recent updates project a potential launch window for N224 between late 2028 and early 2029.
This schedule is subject to change, as Apple retains the option to alter or scrap the project entirely. Previous coverage has likewise highlighted smart glasses as an increasing focus within the company’s wearable ecosystem.
At this stage, the N224 headset functions as a potential overhaul rather than a guaranteed Vision Pro 2. Apple faces the challenge of successfully combining reduced weight, lower pricing, and robust computing power into a single product.
The definitive indicator will likely emerge when Apple settles on a concrete hardware path. Until that time, the next-generation Vision Pro stays among the company’s least predictable hardware endeavors.
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