Apple’s mixed-reality headset is closing in on its second anniversary, and fresh regulatory filings hint that a successor is getting close. An FCC listing for a “Head Mounted Device” with model number A3416 points to the next Apple Vision Pro, revealing a key detail buyers will care about: it still uses Wi‑Fi 6, not Wi‑Fi 7.
That wireless choice may surprise some fans. Wi‑Fi 7 promises lower latency and higher throughput—benefits that can matter for high-resolution streaming and responsive spatial computing. Sticking with Wi‑Fi 6 suggests Apple is prioritizing other improvements or keeping radio changes conservative for this generation. The filings outline standard transmission, SAR, and WLAN testing, but stop short of confirming deeper hardware specs.
Speculation continues to swirl around the chipset. With recent signs that Apple’s M5 family is rolling out across flagship devices, many expect the upgraded Vision Pro to adopt the same silicon for better performance and efficiency. However, the FCC documents don’t confirm any processor details, so treat that as informed guesswork for now.
The same batch of filings also references unreleased M5 MacBook Pro models, a strong hint that multiple high-end products are lined up for an announcement window. If Apple follows its typical cadence, a coordinated reveal would make sense, especially for devices that showcase next-gen chips and demanding pro workloads.
Notably absent from the paperwork is Apple’s long-rumored lower-cost headset, often dubbed “Apple Vision Air.” With no regulatory trail yet and industry chatter pointing to a longer roadmap, expectations are shifting toward a debut in 2027 rather than this year. That positions the next Vision Pro as Apple’s primary AR/VR flagship for the foreseeable future.
Pricing remains the big unknown. Given the current Vision Pro starts at $3,499, a meaningful drop for the successor seems unlikely. Expect Apple to keep the premium price tier and emphasize improvements in performance, optics, comfort, or software to justify the investment.
What to watch next:
– Official confirmation of the chipset and battery life improvements
– Any changes to display tech, comfort, and weight distribution
– Clarification on regional availability and enterprise features
– A deeper look at VisionOS updates and pro-level workflows
– Whether Apple ultimately shifts to Wi‑Fi 7 in a subsequent revision
In short, the next Vision Pro appears to be getting closer, with the FCC signaling real progress. If Wi‑Fi 6 is the trade-off, Apple may be channeling its efforts into compute power, thermal design, and immersive experiences—areas that matter most day to day for a premium spatial computing headset.
