Apple to Launch Two New Vision Pro Models, Including a Budget-Friendly Option
The next version of the Apple Vision Pro might be more affordable, with Apple possibly surprising users by unveiling a second model.
Apple’s Ambitions in the VR/AR/XR Space
Famed for its high-end products, Apple is ready to explore more accessible territories with Vision Pro, its venture into the VR/AR/XR space. Currently, this technology is one of the most expensive on the market, starting at $3,500, making it unattainable for most. However, Apple plans to change that.
A More Affordable Version in the Works
According to a report from TrendForce, a Taiwanese research firm, Apple is set to launch a new version of the Vision Pro, along with a more affordable, consumer-friendly headset potentially named “Apple Vision”, dropping the “Pro” tag. To achieve this more accessible version, Apple will need to compromise on certain features. It will be interesting to see exactly which elements will be omitted.
A Strategy to Cut Costs
For the upcoming Vision Pro, the report suggests that Apple intends to source components and parts from suppliers other than Sony to reduce production costs. By reaching out to different companies, Apple could create competition that may help lower costs.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has acknowledged that the Vision Pro is not widely appealing due to its high price. “At $3,500, it’s not a mass-market product,” Cook stated. “Currently, it’s a product for early adopters. Those who want tomorrow’s technology today, it’s for them. Fortunately, there are enough people in this camp to make it exciting.”
Potential for a Mass-Market Product
Nevertheless, if the company succeeds in reducing costs while introducing a cheaper model, it could become a mass-market product. Such a breakthrough could alert competitors like Meta, with its Quest 3 virtual reality headset.
In its report, TrendForce suggests that Apple might incorporate OLED and LCD screens with LTPO backplane technology in the more affordable model. These components provide a strong balance between performance and cost, which is precisely what the company needs to make the headset competitive.