Following the official announcement of its $3,500 Vision Pro spatial computer at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple is rumored to be developing a more budget-friendly version of the product.
The Vision Pro won’t hit the market until early 2024, but according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest “Power On” newsletter, Apple is also aiming to release a more wallet-friendly augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) spatial computer by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, the tech giant is also working on an updated version of Vision Pro featuring a more powerful processor.
With the Vision Pro name now established, Gurman speculates that the less costly version could bear a name such as “Apple Vision” or “Apple Vision One”. But how will Apple manage to reduce the price? Gurman offers some insight into this matter.
He points out that the costliest components in the Vision Pro are the M2 and R1 chips, the dual 4K micro-LED displays, and the camera and sensor hardware. To reduce costs, Apple may opt for lower-quality screens, a processor with less power, and a pared-down array of cameras and sensors. It could also remove the spatial audio speakers from the headset, encouraging users to use their own AirPods Pro for audio. A simpler headband design and a cheaper frame could also be implemented to reduce costs further.
However, Gurman believes Apple won’t compromise on some key features:
“There are a few areas I believe Apple will not compromise on in a cheaper Apple Vision. The external screen, known as EyeSight, to show a wearer’s eyes, as well as the eye- and hand-tracking system, are as core to the Apple Vision as a touchscreen is to an iPhone. I would expect a cheaper model to keep those features.”
