The upcoming M5 Vision Pro presents a unique dilemma for Apple

Over the weekend we received several updates about future Vision products. While some of the news involved delays, the biggest positive for me was confirmation 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. This is why.

The existence of a new model may deter current buyers

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

I’ve previously argued 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 probably years away, so keeping the current Vision Pro up to date with the latest Apple silicon is a win.

But the arrival of a new M5 model also brings complications.

First, it can serve as a deterrent to current potential buyers.

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

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

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

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

For all the advanced technology in the Vision Pro, spending $3,500 for an M2 model, which may or may not support Apple Intelligence in the future, should give you some pause.

Largely because if an M5 Vision Pro ships 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 almost everything its M5 successor can do, then this probably won’t be a problem.

But what if, as some reports suggest, the current Vision Pro has already leveraged the capabilities of the M2 chip?

Spending $3,500 once is a big enough ask. But it would be extremely difficult to force Vision Pro owners to upgrade after just 12 to 18 months to get the best new features.

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

As much as the M5 Vision Pro poses a dilemma, I know that things would ultimately 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 good at releasing meaningful upgrades year after year.

Perhaps when the new Vision Pro arrives, Apple will offer generous trade-in values ​​on the first Vision Pro to ease the pain of early adopters.

An M5 Vision Pro is inevitable if Apple wants to continue growing the platform. Here’s hoping Apple can minimize the damage its debut can do in any way.

Are the M5 Vision Pro rumors keeping you from purchasing? Elicit buyer’s remorse? Let us know in the comments.

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