Upcoming M5 Vision Pro creates a unique dilemma for Apple

Over the weekend, we received multiple updates on future Vision products. While some of the news involved delays, the biggest positive for me was affirmation that a new Vision Pro with M5 chip is still expected in 2025. But the more I think about it, the more mixed I feel. Here’s why.

New model’s existence may deter current buyers

Apple faces a unique dilemma with its upcoming M5 Vision Pro.

I’ve argued before that this is exactly the right move for the next generation of the device. As much as I want a lighter redesigned model, that’s likely years off, so keeping the current Vision Pro up to speed with the latest Apple silicon is a win.

But the advent of a new M5 model also presents complications.

First, it may serve as a deterrent to current prospective buyers.

If you were curious about the Vision Pro, then perhaps you were considering treating yourself this holiday season by splurging on $3,500 of Apple’s next-gen technology.

This is, after all, the first holiday season the Vision Pro has been available.

But knowing that an M5 model is on the horizon, how much do you really want to invest in the current M2 model?

Apple has already launched iPad Pros and now Macs with the M4 family of chips. It also has debuted Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

For all of the cutting-edge tech in the Vision Pro, spending $3,500 for an M2 model, which may or may not offer support for Apple Intelligence in the future, should create some pause.

Largely because if an M5 Vision Pro does ship next year, you don’t want to feel ripped off.

The problem of buyer’s remorse

This leads to the second complication with the new model, which is that Vision Pro early adopters may feel buyer’s remorse.

If the current Vision Pro gets full Apple Intelligence support, and can do pretty much anything its M5 successor can, then this is likely not a big deal.

But what if, as some reports have implied, the current Vision Pro has already maxed out the M2 chip’s capabilities?

Spending $3,500 once is a big enough ask. But pushing Vision Pro owners to upgrade after just 12-18 months to get the best new features would be especially tough.

M5 model is a necessity for Vision Pro’s growth, despite the drawbacks

Ultimately, as much as the M5 Vision Pro creates a dilemma, I know things would be worse without it.

The Vision Pro is a brand new platform, so going years between updates is simply not an option. Especially since Apple’s silicon team is so great at churning out meaningful upgrades year after year.

Perhaps when the new Vision Pro does arrive, Apple will offer generous trade-in values on the first Vision Pro to help ease the early adopter pain.

An M5 Vision Pro is an inevitability if Apple wants to keep growing the platform. Here’s hoping Apple can minimize the harm its debut might do in any way it can.

Are the M5 Vision Pro rumors deterring a purchase for you? Bringing on buyer’s remorse? Let us know in the comments.

Best Vision Pro accessories

• Vision Pro aluminum dock stand
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