Apple considers 4 designs for a lighter Vision Pro headset

    Apple is developing a new Vision Pro that is lighter and does not look bulky on the face. The project, code-named N224, is still at an early stage, and the company is considering 4 different designs. The device is expected to go on sale between late 2028 and early 2029. However, the current plans may change later.    This project is not a direct continuation of the N100 model previously known as Vision Air. The N100 project, which was being developed as a lighter and cheaper device, was discontinued last year. N224 may instead be a successor to the current Vision Pro with the M5 chip rather than a budget model. At the same time, it may retain flagship features while being sold at a relatively lower price.    In one of the versions being tested, the processor and battery are housed in a separate small unit that the user carries. Meta’s new VR headset has a similar design. Such a design could make the head-mounted component lighter. The battery in the current Vision Pro is already external, but moving the processor to a separate unit as well requires better cooling and efficient energy use.    Some members of Apple’s management do not like the idea of a separate unit. They want all the components to remain in the same enclosure. One of the designs being tested retains the egg-like shape of the current device. Plastic, titanium, other metals, and various material blends are being tested to reduce the weight. In another version, the processor and battery are combined in the same external device.    For now, the configurations of all 4 concepts have not been disclosed. It is unclear whether Apple will choose a glasses-style design with an external unit or a single enclosure similar to the current model. Because the project is at an early stage, the release date, design, and pricing plans may change. Based on the current information, the main goal is to make the device lighter.