Apple’s next-generation Vision Pro headset has appeared in Federal Communications Commission filings, confirming development of the upgraded mixed reality device. The FCC documentation reveals model number A3416 and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, signaling Apple’s continued investment in spatial computing despite initial market challenges. This regulatory submission follows months of speculation about Apple’s roadmap for its premium headset lineup.
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Regulatory Filing Confirms Key Specifications
The FCC filing, first discovered by MacRumors, includes detailed technical diagrams labeled “Head Mounted Device” that closely resemble the current Vision Pro design. Model A3416 maintains Wi-Fi 6 support rather than upgrading to the newer Wi-Fi 6E standard, suggesting Apple may be prioritizing cost control in this iteration. The filing provides official confirmation that Apple has been testing the device internally, moving closer to commercial release.
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Federal Communications Commission certifications represent a mandatory step before any wireless device can be sold in the United States. Apple’s submission indicates the company has reached advanced stages of development, typically occurring 4-6 months before product launch. The timing aligns with Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman’s July prediction that a new Vision Pro could arrive “as early as this year,” though supply chain analysts suggest early 2026 remains more likely given production timelines.
Enhanced Performance and Comfort Improvements
Beyond the FCC revelations, code discovered in Apple’s developer resources points to a significant processor upgrade to the M5 chip. This represents a substantial performance leap from the current M2-powered Vision Pro, potentially addressing criticism about weight and thermal management. The new chip could enable more complex spatial computing applications while improving battery efficiency.
Comfort enhancements appear central to the redesign, with multiple sources indicating a revised strap system to alleviate the neck strain reported by some current Vision Pro users. Apple’s human interface guidelines have emphasized comfort as a critical factor in extended reality adoption. The company has been conducting extensive ergonomic studies, recognizing that even minor weight distribution changes can dramatically improve wearability during extended sessions.
Broader Product Ecosystem Strategy
Apple’s headset strategy extends beyond the premium Vision Pro line, with supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reporting a lighter, more affordable “Vision Air” model targeting 2027 release. This tiered approach mirrors Apple’s successful iPhone strategy, offering multiple price points to capture different market segments. The Vision Air is expected to feature simplified components while maintaining core spatial computing capabilities.
Simultaneously, Apple appears to be developing smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban, potentially competing directly with Meta’s successful collaboration. These glasses would focus on voice control and gesture recognition rather than full mixed reality, serving as an always-wearable companion device. This diversified approach acknowledges that different use cases require different form factors, from full immersion to ambient computing.
Market Context and Competitive Landscape
The Vision Pro’s evolution occurs amid shifting mixed reality market dynamics. While Meta continues to dominate unit sales with its Quest lineup, Apple aims to establish the premium segment. According to IDC research, the augmented and virtual reality headset market grew 44.2% year-over-year in 2024, though Apple’s $3,500 starting price remains a significant adoption barrier.
Industry analysts at Canalys project that spatial computing devices will reach 25 million annual shipments by 2027, with enterprise applications driving much of the growth. Apple’s continued investment suggests confidence in long-term adoption curves, similar to the Apple Watch’s trajectory from niche product to mainstream essential. The company’s integration across hardware, software, and services provides a strategic advantage competitors struggle to match.
References and Further Reading
- Federal Communications Commission – Official regulatory body for wireless device certifications
- Apple Newsroom – Official company announcements and product information
- Bloomberg Technology – Industry reporting and analysis
- IDC AR/VR Market Forecast – Market research and growth projections
- Apple Human Interface Guidelines – Official design principles for visionOS