Apple Explores New Vision Pro Designs Including External Compute Unit
Four concepts in development target weight reduction and alternative form factors by 2028-2029
1Vision Pro successor plans
Apple is developing a next-generation Vision Pro headset under project codename N224, targeting late 2028 to early 2029 release. Unlike the shelved N100 'Vision Air' project, this isn't positioned as a budget option but may still achieve lower pricing. The company currently has four distinct design concepts in active development, indicating significant R&D investment in spatial computing.
2Meta-inspired external compute
One prototype mirrors Meta's VR glasses approach by separating compute and battery into an external puck. While Vision Pro already uses an external battery, moving processing power outward requires thermal and efficiency improvements. Some Apple executives oppose this direction, preferring all-in-one designs. The debate reflects fundamental differences in product philosophy between consumer convenience and technical feasibility.
3Material experimentation
Apple engineers are testing plastic, titanium and other metals to reduce the current 600-650g weight. One prototype maintains the egg-shaped form factor while exploring lighter materials. Material choices directly impact both comfort and production costs - critical factors given Vision Pro's $3,499 price point. These experiments suggest Apple recognizes ergonomics as a key adoption barrier beyond just price.
4Chipset roadmap advantage
The upcoming A20 Pro chip's thermal performance suggests future A-series processors could handle visionOS without active cooling by 2026. This enables slimmer designs while maintaining or improving performance over the current M5 chip. Apple's vertical integration gives unique advantages in optimizing silicon specifically for spatial computing workloads compared to competitors relying on Qualcomm chips.
5Design philosophy tension
Internal debates reveal strategic divisions about product direction. The external compute approach offers weight distribution benefits but complicates the user experience. All-in-one designs maintain Apple's traditional integrated philosophy but face thermal and comfort challenges. This tension mirrors historical Apple product evolution where initial professional-focused devices later spawn consumer variants.
6Competitive positioning
While Meta targets mainstream adoption with $299 Quest 3, Apple prioritizes premium experiences. The four concepts suggest Apple is exploring how to bring spatial computing to different use cases while maintaining premium positioning. The 2028-2029 timeline indicates Apple views this as a long-term platform play rather than immediate mass market push.
7Production considerations
Multiple concurrent concepts mean Apple hasn't locked final specifications. Material choices will impact manufacturing complexity and yield rates. Plastic housings could enable higher production volumes compared to the current aluminum and glass construction. These decisions will determine whether Apple can achieve meaningful price reductions while protecting margins.
8Spatial computing evolution
The Vision Pro roadmap signals Apple's commitment to making spatial computing mainstream. By addressing weight and comfort while leveraging chip advancements, Apple aims to overcome current adoption barriers. The 4-5 year development cycle reflects the technical challenges in creating a viable AR/VR platform that meets Apple's standards for both performance and user experience.
Original article: 9to5Mac — Apple Explores New Vision Pro Designs Including External Compute Unit