The Apple Vision Pro is an impressive spatial computing headset, backed by visionOS, which feels miles ahead of much of the competition. Despite this, its expensive and heavy hardware remains a significant downside, and Apple is reportedly considering a change of direction for the Vision product category.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has today reported that Apple is working on a potential Apple Vision Pro successor, codenamed N224, that is a "completely revamped headset". The company seems to be looking in a different direction with its Vision category, to create a less bulky and potentially cheaper device.

The report suggests that Apple is exploring four different options, including some that could "offload internal components". The current Apple Vision Pro is bulky, yet uses an external battery pack. These new models could remove more components from the part of the device worn on your face, and move the bulk of the device elsewhere.

However, Apple seems to be in the early decision-making phases still, as Bloomberg reports that some senior Apple 'decision-makers' believe offloading much of the device to an external device is not a good user experience and would prefer an all-in-one headset.

An all-in-one headset could be a difficult feat for Apple, considering their current headset weights between 750-800 grams with an already external battery pack.

Gurman believes Apple knows it should produce a cheaper and lighter alternative to the Apple Vision Pro, and there is still a chance a device like this might never launch. If Apple does go ahead with these plans, don't expect it to release until at least 2028, with 2029 not off the table.

In the meantime, we can expect smart glasses by as early as next year, though these are not expected to debut with a screen.

So what could Apple be developing?

Bloomberg's report gives us some clues about the direction Apple is exploring, but the exact products Apple could eventually release remain unclear. Based on the report, here are some potential directions I could see Apple taking.

An all-in-one headset with compromised performance

If Apple's 'senior decision-makers' do get their way, we could see a less-bulky headset that compromises on performance. This could mean things such as gaming may be out the window, with a bigger focus on productivity, media consumption and communication.

However, this is not necessarily a problem. These tasks that require less performance are the types of tasks that someone spends more time doing, so switching performance out for a lighter headset makes sense.

A performance focused, lighter headset with external components

Apple could release a device in the same league performance wise, as the current M5 Vision Pro. However, to achieve a lightweight design, they could swap out the external battery pack for a larger external pack that packs more components.

This would move the bulk from your face to your pocket, which will help for longer sessions. Unlike an all-in-one with compromised performance, this would allow for longer, performance-heavy tasks - such as gaming.

Remove the front display from Vision Pro

The front glass display, which shows a somewhat mediocre digital version of the user’s eyes, is likely contributing to the heaviness of the Apple Vision Pro.

Apple's revamped Vision Pro could utilise a similar design, have the same functionality and external battery pack, but remove the front glass for a simple aluminium cover.

This would remove a display, a large front piece of glass, and some sensors in the front.

Not only would the headset be lighter and less bulky, but it could be less expensive with reduced hardware components.

Final Thoughts

It has been clear to me since the beginning that Apple never intended for the Apple Vision Pro, in its current form, to be the next big thing. I have always believed it was Apple's first steps into the category, so it can preview and develop visionOS and explore the category, to create its successful consumer product in the future.

In a recent interview, CEO John Ternus compared the Vision Pro to "the early days of computers" and said it was "the early days of a long journey".

Today's Bloomberg reporting supports this, as Apple now explores it's next steps for the Vision product category.