Apple is gearing up to broaden its lineup with a more affordable take on its AR headset.

Positioned to balance capability and accessibility, the Vision Air is meant to make Apple’s mixed-reality platform more versatile. The headset is expected to come in under 453 g—over 40% lighter than Vision Pro—marking one of the most significant changes since the product’s debut. Many users have noted the Vision Pro’s heft during extended sessions. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is also targeting a friendlier price: Vision Air could be up to 50% cheaper than Vision Pro, with a projected starting price around $1,750—much closer to iPhone and Mac territory. That’s a more realistic entry point for a device people might use as often as they do Vision Pro.

To rein in costs (and likely streamline the design), Apple is expected to swap certain glass elements for plastic, use a magnesium alloy frame instead of titanium, and simplify the sensor stack. Those changes should cut manufacturing expenses and trim weight for a more comfortable fit. Another major lever is a move from Mac-class M-series silicon to iPhone-class A-series chips for Vision Air.

An A-series processor would keep the headset competitive while balancing performance, efficiency, and bill of materials—especially as Apple’s latest A-class chips rival older M-series parts. With Vision Air not slated until 2027, it will likely feature an A21 built on TSMC’s 2-nm process, promising stronger compute and graphics along with improved power efficiency.

Mass production is reportedly targeted for Q3 2027, which points to a possible announcement before year-end—potentially alongside new OLED MacBook Pro models.

Source: WCCFTech, Craft (Ming-Chi Kuo)