The upcoming M5 Vision Pro creates a unique dilemma for Apple

We got a few updates on upcoming Vision products over the weekend. While some of the news was about delays, the biggest positive for me was confirmation that the new Vision Pro with the M5 chip is still expected in 2025. But the more I think about it, the more mixed feelings I have. 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 absolutely the right move for the next generation of the device. As much as I’d love to see a lighter, redesigned model, that’s likely a few years away, so keeping the current Vision Pro up to date with Apple’s latest chipset is a win.

But the arrival of a new M5 model also presents challenges.

First, it could turn off current potential buyers.

If you’re interested in the Vision Pro, you may have been thinking about treating yourself this holiday season to $3,500 on Apple’s next-generation tech.

After all, this is the first holiday season that the Vision Pro is available.

But with the M5 model just around the corner, how much do you really want to invest in the current M2 model?

Apple has already released the iPad Pro and now the Mac with the M4 family of chips. She also debuted Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Despite all the cutting-edge tech in the Vision Pro, buying a $3,500 M2 model that may or may not offer Apple Intelligence support in the future should give you pause.

Mainly because if the M5 Vision Pro does ship next year, you don't want to feel ripped off.

The Problem of Buyer's Remorse

That leads to the second problem with the new model, which is that early adopters of the Vision Pro may feel buyer's remorse.

If the current Vision Pro gets full Apple Intelligence support and can do pretty much everything its M5 successor can, then this probably won't be a big deal.

But what if, as some reports have implied, the current Vision Pro has already unlocked the full capabilities of the M2 chip?

Spending $3,500 once is already a lot of money. But getting Vision Pro owners to upgrade after just 12 to 18 months to get the best new features will be especially difficult.

The M5 is a necessity for the Vision Pro's growth, despite its drawbacks

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

Best comment by BarelyLucid

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First, it might turn off current potential buyers.

There is plenty of evidence that these people don't exist. Based on the information available, there was no significant market for buyers after the early adopter wave died down.

It was clear from the start that the first VP would be significantly behind within a generation. It didn't even launch with the latest chip, and historically, first-generation Apple products are quickly outdated. Look at the iPhone and Apple Watch.

These are only meant to be bought by early adopters who buy every generation, so it's no surprise that this is the case.

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Vision Pro is a completely new platform, so waiting years between updates just isn't an option. Especially since Apple's engineering team is so good at delivering meaningful upgrades year after year.

Perhaps when the new Vision Pro comes out, Apple will offer generous trade-in prices for the first Vision Pro to ease the pain of early adopters.

The M5 Vision Pro is inevitable if Apple wants to continue to grow the platform. Hopefully, Apple can minimize the damage its debut could cause in any way possible.

Are rumors of the M5 Vision Pro keeping you from buying one? Do they give you buyer's remorse? Let us know in the comments.