Kuo 2025 Apple Vision Pro M5 Chip Apple Intelligence News
Apple Vision Pro Set for Significant Upgrade with M5 Chip and Apple Intelligence in 2025
According to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is gearing up to release a refreshed version of its Vision Pro headset, slated to enter mass production in the second half of 2025. The most notable upgrade in this new model will be the integration of Apple's yet-to-be-announced M5 chip, a substantial improvement over the current M2 chipset used in the existing Vision Pro.
Performance and Capabilities
The transition from the M2 to the M5 chip is expected to significantly enhance the computing power of the Vision Pro. Given that the M4 chip, which was released after the M2, boasts a 50% more powerful CPU and a 4 times more powerful GPU compared to the M2, the M5 chip is likely to deliver even more phenomenal performance gains.
Apple Intelligence Integration
A key feature of the new Vision Pro will be the integration of Apple Intelligence, which will leverage the advanced capabilities of the M5 chip to enhance spatial computing. This integration is anticipated to provide a better user experience through features such as eye tracking, gesture control, and advanced AI functions. Kuo suggests that if the M5 Vision Pro can incorporate AI models similar to OpenAI's Sora, it could elevate the user experience to unprecedented levels.
Design and Hardware
Despite the significant upgrade in the processor, other hardware specifications and the overall design of the Vision Pro are expected to remain largely unchanged. This approach is intended to help manage production costs and keep the price point stable. The current Vision Pro starts at $3,499, and Kuo indicates that the price of the new model is unlikely to change much.
Supply Chain and Production
Kuo reports that the supply chain for the Vision Pro will "mostly stay the same," which should help in maintaining cost efficiency and potentially lowering the price, although any significant price reductions are not anticipated. The use of the same supply chain and minimal design changes are strategic moves to keep costs in check while focusing on the performance and feature upgrades.
Market Impact and Adoption
The integration of Apple Intelligence and the enhanced performance of the M5 chip could push Apple's spatial computing platform closer to mainstream adoption. Kuo believes that if the new version creates compelling use cases, it could accelerate the adoption rate of the Vision Pro. However, the high price point remains a barrier, and Apple is also exploring the development of a cheaper, non-Pro Vision headset to cater to a broader market.
Cheaper Vision Headset
In parallel to the M5 upgrade, Apple is reportedly working on a more affordable Vision headset. This cheaper model is expected to feature an A-series chipset, similar to those used in iPhones, and may lack the EyeSight front display found in the Vision Pro. However, Apple is facing challenges in reducing costs, particularly with the high-quality micro-OLED displays used in the Vision Pro. The company is currently in discussions with various display providers, including LG, Samsung, and JDI, to secure cheaper yet high-quality displays.
As Apple prepares to unveil the next generation of its Vision Pro headset, the focus on integrating advanced AI capabilities and improving performance is clear. The upcoming M5 chip and Apple Intelligence features are poised to significantly enhance the user experience, although the path to mainstream adoption remains dependent on various factors, including cost and user demand.