What the filings reveal
Regulatory documents surfaced this week that appear to concern Apple’s next Vision Pro headset. The files reference an Apple-designed “Head Mounted Device” with model number A3416, and a photo attached to the paperwork clearly points to the Vision Pro lineage, according to MacRumors. While the bulk of the materials are practical tests—covering data transfer, specific absorption rate (SAR), and Wi‑Fi performance—the documents confirm a few important details that users and investors have been watching for.
Crucially, the filings indicate that the device continues to rely on Wi‑Fi 6, and there is no mention of support for the 6 GHz Wi‑Fi band in this iteration. The absence of a new wireless standard isn’t a reason for concern so much as a signal that the next version aims for incremental rather than revolutionary wireless performance improvements.
In addition to the connectivity notes, the documents identify the device as part of the Vision Pro family, reinforcing the sense that Apple is advancing the same product line rather than introducing a new class of headsets. The pages also hint at various tests that would be expected for a wearable AR/VR device, including hardware transfer capabilities and safety considerations, but they reveal few product specifications beyond the wireless and general hardware testing.
Connectivity, testing, and what remains opaque
Wi‑Fi 6 without 6 GHz support
The filings’ confirmation of Wi‑Fi 6 without 6 GHz support aligns with previously circulating rumors that this next Vision Pro would not adopt the newer, faster Wi‑Fi 6E/7 standards in its core offering. For most users, that means the device should work reliably on existing networks, with performance likely dominated by the headset’s on-device processing and battery efficiency rather than a major leap in wireless throughput.
Testing focus and missing product details
Beyond wireless testing, the documents emphasize tests around data transfer and SAR compliance, important for any head-mounted device that sits close to the user’s head. However, the papers provide limited insight into the headset’s internal specifications, display resolution, field of view, or battery life. As a result, much of the public attention remains focused on what can be inferred from these regulatory pages: an update that’s meaningful but not a radical overhaul.
Design changes and the M5 upgrade
From M2 to M5: what to expect in performance
A recurring takeaway from the filings is that Apple is upgrading the Vision Pro from the M2-class processor to a newer M5 chip. This change points toward improved performance, better graphics, and potentially more capable on-device processing for augmented reality tasks. Importantly, there’s no explicit indication of a dramatic exterior redesign in this iteration—the emphasis appears to be on internal improvements rather than a cinematic redesign.
In practice, an M5-powered Vision Pro could offer faster app loading, smoother AR overlays, and more efficient power usage, which in turn could translate to longer usage sessions between charges. For developers, the upgrade could enable more advanced experiences, tighter integration with macOS and iPadOS, and new APIs to push the headset’s capabilities further.
The broader Apple roadmap
New MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models
Interlinked documentation points to a broader device roadmap, including forthcoming MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models. While these references can be interpreted as separate product updates, they also underscore Apple’s strategy of weaving AR/VR into its wider ecosystem, ensuring that new headsets can seamlessly integrate with the company’s laptops and tablets.
Vision Air: a slimmer variant planned for 2027
Beyond the main Vision Pro line, the reports mention a slimmer variant named Vision Air, which Apple reportedly plans to bring to market in 2027. A lighter, more compact headset would presumably target a broader audience, perhaps at a lower price point or with different usage scenarios than the flagship model. The timeline suggests Apple is pacing its AR/VR ambitions across multiple release waves rather than a single, sweeping launch.
Bottom line
Regulatory filings and accompanying images have provided a credible glimpse of the direction for Apple’s Vision Pro line. The next headset appears set to optimize the internal punch with an M5 processor and maintain a familiar external design, while sticking with Wi‑Fi 6. The broader roadmap—featuring new MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models alongside a slimmer Vision Air—illustrates Apple’s intent to embed AR/VR more deeply across its product ecosystem, with multiple updates planned over the coming years.
