The affordable model of Vision Pro could be released under the name Apple Vision or Apple Vision One, the report noted.
American tech major Apple is reportedly working on a cheaper and more affordable model of its latest mixed-reality headset Vision Pro that could be released as early as the end of 2025. At the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference last week, Apple unveiled the much-awaited mixed reality headset Apple Vision Pro for a whopping price of $3,499.
According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple could reduce the cost of the headset by lowering screen quality and using fewer cameras for lesser performance. In addition, the Cupertino-headquartered company could further use either an iPhone-grade chip or an older Mac chip instead of the dual Apple silicon chip design in Vision Pro. Apple could also replace Vision Pro’s three-dimensionally knitted single-piece headband with a simpler headband design.
In Apple Vision Pro, the front and the headband are joined by flexible straps that ensure audio remains close to the user’s ears. To reduce cost, the tech giant could use AirPods for spatial audio instead of the strap with speakers. Additionally, the company could embed physical adjustment as opposed to automatic IPD in Apple Vision Pro. It could also do away with features like the 3D camera.
Gurman’s report, however, pointed out that Apple will not compromise with features like ‘EyeSight’ and the eye- and hand-tracking system. To recall, the EyeSight feature in Apple Vision Pro lets the user see the person around them while also displaying their eyes by turning transparent. This ensures that users stay connected with those around them even when they are wearing the headset and are fully immersed in the environment.
Since Apple unveiled the ‘Pro’ version of its mixed reality headset, the report highlighted that a non-Pro version is in the works and could be released under the name Apple Vision or Apple Vision One by the end of 2025. Since there is a lot of time for a cheaper version of Apple Vision Pro to hit the market, and as there is no official confirmation from the company, the news should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Just to recap, Apple Vision Pro, claimed to be the “most advanced personal electronics device ever,” is powered by the world’s first spatial operating system visionOS, featuring a three-dimensional interface that makes digital content look and feel present in a user’s physical world. The headset features an ultra-high-resolution display system that uses micro-OLED technology to pack 23 million pixels across two displays. This is more pixels than a 4K TV for each eye. Furthermore, the MR headset uses high-speed cameras and a ring of LEDs for its high-performance eye-tracking system.
For stunning graphics and a seamless experience, Apple’s long-awaited headset is powered by two chips, M2 and R1. Furthermore, Vision Pro requires an external battery pack that is capable of running for two hours on a single charge, while the headset can be used all day when plugged in. The device will be available early next year in the United States followed by the launch in more countries.
