[ad_1]
After nearly eight years, Apple took the wraps off its first augmented reality headset, or as the company calls it, spatial computer, the Vision Pro, which comes with a price tag of $3,500. While the Vision Pro is not expected to hit the shelves before early 2024, Apple has already been working on a more affordable version of the headset, which could arrive by 2025.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his recent Power On newsletter, Apple plans to launch a cost-effective spatial computer. Not just that but Apple is working on a newer model of Vision Pro, which could come with a newer chip for improved performance.
Since the expensive headset is named Vision Pro, the said affordable version could go by the name “Apple Vision” or “Apple Vision One,” says Gurman. However, it remains unclear how Apple plans to lower the price, though Gurman has some ideas.
How the affordable Vision Pro version may be different
The Vision Pro has some pricey components which include the M2 and R1 chips, two 4K micro-LED displays, and camera and sensor hardware. To save money, Apple may consider using less expensive screens, a lower-spec processor, fewer cameras and sensors, and removing the spatial audio speakers from the headset. Instead, users can use their own AirPods Pro for audio.
According to Gurman, there are certain aspects that Apple is unlikely to compromise on regarding a cheaper version of its product. The external screen, called EyeSight, displays the wearer’s eyes, and the eye- and hand-tracking system are integral to the Apple Vision, much like a touchscreen is to an iPhone. It is expected that these features will be retained in a cheaper model.
The affordable version of the Vision Pro is not expected to be announced until late 2025, which is two years after the original release, and considering the series of delays the Vision Pro faced, it could be further. Additionally, Apple’s strategy to have an affordable and a ‘Pro’ version of its headset suggests that they intend to have a two-product strategy for the device, similar to the iPhone and iPhone Pro models.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his recent Power On newsletter, Apple plans to launch a cost-effective spatial computer. Not just that but Apple is working on a newer model of Vision Pro, which could come with a newer chip for improved performance.
Since the expensive headset is named Vision Pro, the said affordable version could go by the name “Apple Vision” or “Apple Vision One,” says Gurman. However, it remains unclear how Apple plans to lower the price, though Gurman has some ideas.
How the affordable Vision Pro version may be different
The Vision Pro has some pricey components which include the M2 and R1 chips, two 4K micro-LED displays, and camera and sensor hardware. To save money, Apple may consider using less expensive screens, a lower-spec processor, fewer cameras and sensors, and removing the spatial audio speakers from the headset. Instead, users can use their own AirPods Pro for audio.
According to Gurman, there are certain aspects that Apple is unlikely to compromise on regarding a cheaper version of its product. The external screen, called EyeSight, displays the wearer’s eyes, and the eye- and hand-tracking system are integral to the Apple Vision, much like a touchscreen is to an iPhone. It is expected that these features will be retained in a cheaper model.
The affordable version of the Vision Pro is not expected to be announced until late 2025, which is two years after the original release, and considering the series of delays the Vision Pro faced, it could be further. Additionally, Apple’s strategy to have an affordable and a ‘Pro’ version of its headset suggests that they intend to have a two-product strategy for the device, similar to the iPhone and iPhone Pro models.
[ad_2]
Source link