Report: Apple M4, more comfortable strap will headline first major Vision Pro update

Apple has not made significant updates to its Vision Pro headset since its debut in early 2024 at a price point of $3,499. Instead, the company has focused on refining the device through a series of software updates. However, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a new iteration of the Vision Pro may be released as soon as this year, featuring a new chip to replace the aging Apple M2 and a redesigned strap for enhanced comfort. The upcoming Vision Pro is expected to be powered by Apple's M4 processor, which was introduced with the iPad Pro last year and has since been integrated into the latest MacBook Pro models, MacBook Air, and iMac. Testing has shown that the M4 chip delivers approximately 50% superior multicore CPU performance and 20-25% improved graphics capabilities compared to the M2. These enhancements are crucial for a device like the Vision Pro, which requires high-resolution visuals with minimal latency. In addition to the upgraded chip, improvements in video encoding and decoding capabilities, as well as the image signal processor, are anticipated to enhance the headset's passthrough video feed, providing a better user experience. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly redesigning the headbands for the Vision Pro to alleviate neck strain and discomfort, allowing users to wear the headset for extended periods. While the overall design of the device is expected to remain largely unchanged, it will likely maintain a weight close to the current M2-powered version, which is around 1.3 to 1.4 pounds. The report does not specify any details regarding pricing, but it's notable that Apple has recently reduced prices on M4-equipped Macs by increasing the minimum RAM from 8GB to 16GB. Although a significant price cut might not transform the Vision Pro into a mass-market device, it could represent a positive step toward making it more accessible.