Apple is reportedly working on a more affordable alternative to its upcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The new headset is rumored to cost somewhere between $1,500 and $2,500, which is significantly less than the Vision Pro’s expected price tag of $3,500.
To achieve this lower price point, Apple is reportedly considering making some hardware reductions. One of the most notable changes is the removal of EyeSight, a feature that allows users to see the wearer’s eyes through an external display. This is a good way to cut costs, as EyeSight doesn’t do anything beneficial for the wearer of the device.
An earlier report by Gurman also suggests that Apple may replace the Mac-grade Apple silicon chip in the Vision Pro with a cheaper iPhone chip, lower the resolution of the primary screen, and include fewer sensors.
The Apple Vision Pro is set to go on sale in the US in 2024 with a retail price tag of $3,500, making it one of the most expensive consumer VR products on the market. As a result, it is not surprising that Apple is considering a cheaper alternative to appeal to a wider range of consumers.
Regardless of whether or not Apple releases a cheaper Vision Pro alternative, the company is facing competition from Meta, which dominates the consumer VR market with its Oculus lineup of headsets. Even Meta’s most expensive product, the Meta Quest Pro, is significantly cheaper than Apple’s upcoming VR headset at $999.
It remains to be seen how Apple’s Vision Pro will fare in the market, but the company is hoping that its high-end specs and integration with other Apple products will make it a compelling choice for consumers.
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