Next-Gen Apple Vision Pro: The Mac-Connected Era Begins

Future Apple Vision Pro to Be Directly Connected to Mac According to a recent report by Mark Gurman in the Power On newsletter, Apple is developing a new version of the Apple Vision Pro headset that will directly connect to a Mac. This development diverges from earlier plans for wireless augmented reality (AR) glasses, which were reportedly abandoned.

Current Capabilities

The current Apple Vision Pro allows developers to capture video feeds to a Mac using a USB-C connection and the Developer Strap accessory, but this setup is limited in bandwidth and primarily serves as a 100 megabit network connection suitable only for video streaming.

Future Enhancements

The future version aims to provide a more robust and bidirectional data path, enabling it to do much more than just mirror a Mac's display. This direct connection could significantly reduce latency, which is crucial for applications like surgical imagery and flight simulation. The concept aligns with other tethered headsets in the market, such as the Valve Index, which relies on cables for high-performance processing.

Release Timeline and Pricing

While the exact release date remains uncertain, a launch between 2026 and 2027 is considered more likely. Pricing details are also unclear, but Apple's reputation for premium pricing has been a point of contention, especially given the current $3499 price tag for the Vision Pro.