Highlights
- Apple halts work on advanced Vision Pro model to prioritize a cheaper variant.
- The affordable Vision Pro is expected to launch by late 2025 with a target price of $1,500.
- New model aims to compete with lower-cost mixed reality headsets like Meta Quest.
- Key features might be scaled back to reduce costs, including potentially removing EyeSight.
Apple has paused work related to its next-generation Mixed Reality headset, the model succeeding the Vision Pro, to focus on a cheaper variant, according to a report by The Information.
Recently, Apple extended availability of the current Vision Pro into eight more countries while showcasing upcoming software updates for visionOS 2 at WWDC 2024.
Cheaper Model Slated for Late 2025
The report claims Apple is now focusing on a lower-cost model of the Vision Pro that could come as early as 2025, while putting on hold work on an advanced second-generation model of the Vision Pro.
Apple has paused work on an advanced second-generation model of the Vision Pro, a move signaling a new emphasis on making its headset more affordable.
The target price for the cheaper Apple Vision headset is around $1500.
This aims to compete with products like Meta Quest, significantly lower than the current $3,500 Vision Pro.
Initially, Apple planned multiple models in the Vision lineup, but now it seems only the lower-cost model will move forward.
The staffing for the second-generation Vision Pro has been on a downward trajectory over the last year, a sure sign of a gradual pivot to the cheaper model.
But even with cost-cutting attempts that do not compromise quality, engineering challenges persist, especially in weight reduction, a common critique of the Vision Pro.
Future Vision Pro Products
Apple has always had two new Vision products in the pipeline: a thinner, more affordable version of the Vision Pro and better, more powerful follow-up, supposedly Vision Pro 2.
While all hopes on the latter product seem to fade into the indefinite hold, the former still remains under development, although a little in standstill.
That’s tricky to make the Vision Pro more affordable; Apple doesn’t know what corners to cut.
It wants to keep its high-res optics, which for the company are among the most expensive features that it makes.
While this report makes it seem like Apple is still committed to the Vision line, it also shows the company may have hit a rare flop in its roster.
While the Vision Pro is clearly a forward-thinking product, Apple is still a profit-seeking organization, and if it doesn’t sell, the company will need to move on, eventually.
FAQs
What is the reason behind Apple pausing work on the advanced Vision Pro model?
Apple has decided to focus on developing a more affordable version of the Vision Pro to make the technology accessible to a wider audience and compete with other lower-cost mixed reality headsets.
When is the affordable Vision Pro model expected to be released?
The cheaper Vision Pro model is expected to be released by late 2025.
What is the anticipated price for the affordable Vision Pro model?
The target price for the affordable Vision Pro model is around $1,500, significantly lower than the current Vision Pro’s $3,500 price tag.
What features might be reduced or removed in the cheaper Vision Pro model?
To lower the cost, Apple might remove or scale back some features, such as the EyeSight feature, which projects the user’s facial expressions on an external OLED display.
Will the advanced Vision Pro model still be developed in the future?
While work on the advanced second-generation Vision Pro has been paused, it is not completely canceled. Apple might resume its development after the affordable model is launched.
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Also Read: Unlocking the Future With Apple Vision Pro: Top Apps and Gaming Guide
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