The Apple Vision Pro is powered by an M2 chip featuring ten GPU cores and eight CPU cores, the same version found in higher-end MacBook Air models, according to a post by Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman on X (formerly Twitter). Although Apple previously disclosed that its mixed reality headset uses the M2 processor, the specific variant had not been confirmed until now. The M2 chip in the Vision Pro, based on 5-nanometer technology, is responsible for processing content, running the visionOS operating system, executing computer vision algorithms, and delivering graphical content. Despite the M3 chip’s subsequent release in MacBook Pro models, the Vision Pro is set to launch on February 2 with the M2 chip.
The M2 chip collaborates with a dedicated custom-built R1 chip in the Vision Pro, handling the processing of information from cameras, sensors, and microphones. This setup enables the headset to stream images to the displays within 12 milliseconds, offering a “virtually lag-free” view of the world. The entry-level Vision Pro is equipped with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space, with the potential for Apple to offer models with up to 1TB of storage, although larger capacities have not been officially confirmed.
In the same X post, Gurman also confirmed that Apple customers can purchase the Vision Pro online and at retail stores using Apple Card installments. Apple Card installments allow customers to spread the purchase cost over monthly payments without incurring interest. Pre-orders for the Apple Vision Pro open on Friday, January 19 at 5:00 a.m. PST in the United States.