Apple Explores Cellular Connectivity for Vision Pro, Bringing New Possibilities

Apple is reportedly exploring cellular connectivity for Vision Pro, and that’s a great thing

• Apple has been internally working towards developing new 5G modems for the longest time, and we’re finally expected to see them debut in the iPhone SE 4 next spring. However, a new report from Bloomberg yesterday provides a much more detailed roadmap on Apple’s modem plans, and it includes cellular coming to a couple new products, including Apple Vision Pro.

• Mark Gurman reports that Apple is considering bringing cellular connectivity to Apple Vision Pro:

  • The company is also discussing bringing cellular support to headsets, including future models of the Vision Pro. Someday, the technology may also be used in lightweight augmented reality glasses, though such a device is years away.

• Apple is reportedly prototyping two versions of 5G modems:

  • A first generation model, expected to debut in iPhone SE 4, iPhone 17 Air, and low end iPads next year, focused on costs and efficiency
  • A higher end model, expected to debut in 2026, with faster 5G connectivity – for iPhone 18 Pro and Macs

• It’s currently unclear which modem will be going into Apple Vision Pro, as the Bloomberg report doesn’t specify.

• I’ve long believed that Vision Pro eventually having cellular connectivity would make a lot of sense. I wouldn’t expect people to walk around with Vision Pro on with the current form factor, but in a future where Vision Pro is slimmer and lighter, it could potentially be a future that we live in.