If you thought Apple was going to let its $3,499 "spatial computer" gather dust while Meta sells millions of Quest headsets, think again. Today, September 30, 2025, the tech world basically got hit with a massive spoiler courtesy of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It seems someone at the FCC hit the "publish" button a little too early on some confidential testing documents, and now the cat is officially out of the bag: a new Apple Vision Pro is imminent.
The leak references a "Head Mounted Device" with the model number A3416. For context, the original Vision Pro that launched back in early 2024 carried the model number A2117. We aren't just talking about a minor software tweak here. This is a hardware refresh.
Apple Vision Pro News Today September 30 2025: What the FCC Actually Found
Honestly, the FCC documents are a bit dry—lots of SAR test reports and WLAN transmission data—but the implications are huge. The testing confirms that this new model will stick with Wi-Fi 6 (no 6GHz Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 yet, which is kinda surprising), but the real meat is in the timing. Typically, when a device hits the FCC database like this, we're only weeks, maybe even days, away from an official announcement.
Rumors have been swirling for months that Apple is swapping the aging M2 chip for the brand-new M5 processor.
The M5 Chip: Overkill or Necessary?
Why skip the M3 and M4? Basically, spatial computing is a resource hog. The current M2 is a beast, but it struggles with the sheer heat and power draw required to render "EyeSight" while simultaneously tracking 12 cameras and five sensors. The M5 is expected to bring:
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- A much more powerful Neural Engine for better eye-tracking.
- 10% more pixel rendering capability for the micro-OLED displays.
- Support for up to 120Hz refresh rates (up from 100Hz).
- Better thermal management (meaning it won't cook your forehead).
It’s a "tick" year for the Vision Pro. Don't expect a radical redesign that makes it look like a pair of Ray-Bans. That's still years away. Instead, think of this like the jump from the Apple Watch Ultra to the Ultra 2. Same shell, much faster brain.
The Comfort Problem: Is the "Dual Knit Band" the Savior?
Let's be real. The biggest complaint about the Vision Pro hasn't been the software—it’s the fact that it feels like you're wearing a bowling ball on your face after 45 minutes. Apple has apparently been listening. Along with the M5 internal refresh, news today suggests a new standard accessory called the Dual Knit Band.
Unlike the original Solo Knit Band that looked cool but provided zero top-of-head support, the Dual Knit Band adds an upper strap. It also reportedly includes tungsten inserts in the lower section to act as a counterweight. It sounds counterintuitive to add weight to a heavy headset, but balancing that weight away from your nose and onto the back of your skull makes a world of difference.
If you already own the first-gen model, don't worry. Reports indicate Apple will sell this strap separately for about $99. You've already spent $3,500; what’s another hundred bucks to save your neck?
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What Most People Get Wrong About the "Vision Air"
You might have heard headlines about a "cheap" $1,500 Apple Vision headset. Well, the news today is a bit of a reality check. While a "Vision Air" or a non-Pro model is definitely in the works, analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo are now saying it’s been pushed back to 2027.
Apple is reportedly pivoting resources toward smart glasses (think Meta Ray-Bans but with Apple Intelligence) because the headset market is, well, struggling. Sales for the high-end Pro model have been sluggish, with IDC estimating only about 45,000 units sold in the last quarter. Because of that, Apple is doubling down on the "Pro" segment first, ensuring the M5 version is the definitive workhorse for developers and enterprise users before trying to go "mass market."
visionOS 26 and the New "Spatial Scenes"
We can't talk about the hardware without mentioning that visionOS 26 just rolled out a couple of weeks ago. If you haven't updated yet, you're missing out on "Spatial Scenes." This uses a generative AI algorithm to take your regular 2D iPhone photos and turn them into 3D environments you can actually lean into.
It also finally adds support for the PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers. This is a massive win for gaming. Trying to play a high-speed shooter with just hand-tracking was, frankly, a nightmare. Now, you can actually have tactile feedback and physical buttons.
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Key features of the new update:
- Spatial Widgets: You can now anchor widgets (like Weather or Notes) permanently to your physical walls.
- Advanced Personas: They finally look less like creepy wax figures and more like actual humans, including side profiles.
- Safari Spatial Browsing: Websites can now embed 3D models that you can pull out of the browser and place on your desk.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re sitting on the fence about buying a Vision Pro, stop. Do not buy the M2 model today. With the FCC leak happening on September 30, we are almost certainly looking at an October Apple event or a press release announcement within the next 14 days.
If you are a current owner, check the App Store for the new NBA Immersive content. They just released a full 180-degree capture of the Bucks vs. Lakers game, and it is arguably the best "killer app" experience available right now.
Keep an eye on the Apple Newsroom. If history repeats itself, pre-orders for the M5 model could open as early as next Friday, with units hitting shelves by October 22. If you want the latest tech, wait for the A3416 model. If you want a bargain, wait for the inevitable $500 price drop on the original "legacy" stock at third-party retailers.
Wait for the October announcement before dropping any cash on new hardware.
Check your settings to ensure you've updated to visionOS 26.0.1 to fix the recent Safari crashing bugs.
If comfort is your main issue, look for the standalone Dual Knit Band release in late October.