Apple is reportedly working on a more affordable version of its Vision Pro headset, but the term “affordable” may be a stretch.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the upcoming cheaper model of Apple’s Vision Pro could be priced at around $2,000 (approximately ₹1.66 lakh).
While this is a significant drop from the original Vision Pro’s hefty $3,499 price tag, it still positions the headset as one of the most expensive virtual reality (VR) devices on the market.
The Vision Pro, known for its cutting-edge technology, is Apple’s entry into the world of “spatial computing” and has been praised for its advanced features. However, its sky-high price has deterred many potential buyers.
Apple now seems to be aiming for a wider audience by lowering the price – though even this “cheaper” option might remain out of reach for many consumers.
Price Drop, But Not for Everyone
The expected price reduction to $2,000 is nearly half of the Vision Pro’s current price, which could give Apple a better chance at attracting more customers.
However, even at this reduced cost, the device will still sit at the top of the VR headset price range, far from making it affordable for the average user.
Gurman’s sources suggest that Apple plans to achieve this price cut by making certain compromises in the hardware.
These changes are expected to include using a less powerful processor, employing cheaper materials, and removing some features like the EyeSight function, which shows the user’s eyes on the external display of the headset.
Despite these cuts, Apple still expects the sales of this more affordable headset to double those of the original Vision Pro. However, given the modest sales figures of the Vision Pro so far, doubling those numbers might not mean a massive success.
Apple’s Strategy of Offering Alternatives
Apple has employed a similar strategy before. The company released the HomePod mini as a more affordable version of its original HomePod, and the tactic worked well in that product line.
However, the price gap between the HomePod models is much smaller than what Apple plans with the Vision Pro line, making it unclear whether the same approach will be successful here.
With such a price difference between the cheaper and premium versions, some might question whether the “cheaper” model will retain enough of the Vision Pro’s appeal to justify its still-high price tag.
Cutting corners on materials and features could potentially alienate customers who expect Apple’s trademark premium quality, even in its more budget-friendly offerings.
The Future of Apple’s AR Vision
This lower-priced Vision Pro is not the only augmented reality (AR) device in Apple’s pipeline. The tech giant is reportedly working on a second-generation Vision Pro as well as its long-term goal: a lightweight, glasses-like AR device.
These AR glasses are expected to be similar in design to Ray-Ban’s Meta smart glasses, which blend technology with everyday eyewear.
Apple’s ultimate ambition with these AR glasses is to create a more user-friendly, everyday device that people can wear comfortably in public – a far cry from the bulky VR headsets currently dominating the market.
However, given the lukewarm reception and slow sales of the Vision Pro, Apple may need to adjust its plans and pricing strategies to gain traction in the AR space.
For now, it appears Apple is focusing on lowering the entry barrier to its spatial computing ecosystem by launching a less expensive version of the Vision Pro.
While $2,000 is still far from cheap, it might just give more users a chance to experience Apple’s ambitious take on the future of computing.
