Apple Vision Pro 2 Delayed to 2028: What AR and VR Buyers Should Do Now
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has published the most definitive report yet on the Apple Vision Pro's future: a successor won't arrive for at least two more years, pushing the earliest possible launch to 2028. With the cheaper N100 model quietly shelved and Apple's mixed-reality team reassigned to smart glasses, buyers who were holding out for a next-generation Vision Pro need a new plan. Here's what to do.
What Happened
Vision Pro 2 pushed to 2028+. Cheaper model cancelled. Team moved to smart glasses project.
Best VR Value Now
Meta Quest 3S at $299 — standalone VR, no PC needed.
Best Premium
Samsung Galaxy XR — PC Connect, Likeness, Android XR ecosystem.
What Exactly Did Gurman Report About Vision Pro's Future?
The key details from the May 11 Bloomberg report are stark. A new Vision Pro-style headset won't arrive until 2028 at the earliest — with no mid-cycle M-chip refresh on the calendar. The codename N100, which referred to a planned cheaper and lighter Vision Pro, has been quietly de-prioritized. Engineers assigned to N100 have been moved to other projects.
The sales numbers explain the decision: the Vision Pro has moved approximately 600,000 units total since its January 2024 launch. Even the M5 refresh earlier in 2026 failed to revive demand. At $3,499, the Vision Pro was simply too expensive for mainstream adoption, and the return rate reportedly exceeded Apple's internal targets.
Why Is Apple Pivoting to Smart Glasses?
The bulk of Apple's mixed-reality hardware talent has been reassigned to a lightweight smart glasses project. The first generation — expected in late 2026 or early 2027— won't include AR display features. Instead, it will offer cameras, microphones, and sensors for taking photos, handling phone calls, and enabling hands-free Apple Intelligence interactions.
Think of Apple's smart glasses as a device between Apple Watch and AirPods — not a Vision Pro replacement. The goal is to "pull the rug out" from under Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have shipped over 9 million units since launch and are on track to dominate the category. Apple sees the $300-$500 smart glasses market as far more addressable than the $3,500 headset market.
What Are the Best VR and AR Headsets to Buy Right Now?
If you were waiting for a cheaper or better Vision Pro, here are your realistic options today:
Budget: Meta Quest 3S ($299)
The Meta Quest 3Sis the best entry point for VR in 2026. Standalone (no PC required), a strong game library, and decent mixed-reality passthrough for under $300. It won't match the Vision Pro's display quality, but for gaming and media consumption, it's excellent value.
Mid-Range: Meta Quest 3 ($597)
The Quest 3 offers higher resolution and better passthrough than the 3S. At $597 on Amazon, it's a meaningful step up for those who want sharper visuals without going into premium headset territory.
Premium: Samsung Galaxy XR
The Samsung Galaxy XR is the closest competitor to Vision Pro and just received a major update with PC Connect, Likeness avatars, and Travel Mode. It runs Android XR with Gemini AI integration and is the best option for Android users who want a premium mixed-reality experience.
Should You Wait for Apple's Smart Glasses Instead?
Apple's smart glasses are a different product category entirely — they won't offer immersive VR or spatial computing. They're designed for always-on, lightweight AI assistance. If what you wanted from Vision Pro was virtual monitors, immersive media, and spatial apps, Apple's glasses won't fill that gap.
However, if you were interested in the Vision Pro primarily as an "AI on your face" device — Siri integration, notifications, hands-free interactions — then Apple's smart glasses could be exactly what you need at a fraction of the price. We expect them to compete directly with the Ray-Ban Meta at $379.
Our Verdict: What Should You Buy Today?
For VR gaming and media: Buy the Meta Quest 3S at $299. Best value in VR, no waiting required.
For productivity and mixed reality: The Samsung Galaxy XR with its new PC Connect feature is the premium choice. Wait for pricing to settle if budget is a concern.
For smart glasses: Don't wait for Apple. The Ray-Ban Meta at $379 is shipping now with a proven track record. If you want Android XR, wait until after Google I/O on May 19to see Samsung and Warby Parker's offerings.
Compare all headsets in our AR/VR comparison guide.
Related Articles
AR/VR FAQ
Apple Vision Pro and VR buying questions
Quick answers about the Vision Pro delay, Apple smart glasses, and which headset to buy in 2026.
When is the Apple Vision Pro 2 coming out?
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a new Vision Pro won't arrive for at least two more years, meaning 2028 at the earliest. There is no mid-cycle refresh planned between now and then. Apple has shifted its mixed-reality team to focus on lightweight smart glasses instead.
Should I buy the Apple Vision Pro in 2026?
Only if you have a specific, immediate use case and accept that no successor is coming soon. Refurbished units are available from $2,370 on eBay. For most buyers, the Meta Quest 3S at $299 or Samsung Galaxy XR offer better value for VR and mixed reality experiences.
What is Apple building instead of Vision Pro 2?
Apple is developing lightweight smart glasses expected in late 2026 or early 2027. The first generation will include cameras, microphones, and sensors for photos, phone calls, and Apple Intelligence — but no AR display. Think of it as a device positioned between Apple Watch and AirPods.
Is the Samsung Galaxy XR better than Apple Vision Pro?
The Galaxy XR offers a comparable mixed-reality experience at a lower price point, runs Android XR with Gemini AI, and just received a major update with PC Connect, Likeness avatars, and Travel Mode. For most buyers who want a premium headset today, it's a strong alternative — especially if you use Android.
What's the best budget VR headset in 2026?
The Meta Quest 3S at $299 remains the best budget VR headset. It offers standalone VR with a solid game library, mixed reality passthrough, and no PC required. The Meta Quest 3 at $597 on Amazon offers better resolution if you want to spend more.