Long Wait Ahead For A Cheaper Vision Pro

It seems that Apple has decided to put the development of a more budget-friendly alternative to its $3,500 Vision Pro mixed-reality headset on hold. In January of this year, The Information reported that a less expensive variant with simplified features could be released sometime in 2025.

Recently, well-known supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that this cost-effective headset may not be available for purchase in the next three years. Kuo stated on X, “As far as I know, the production of the lower-priced Vision Pro has been postponed beyond 2027 for some time now.”

Per a report from Bloomberg, Apple had plans to release a lower-priced model even before the Vision Pro’s debut. Initially codenamed N107, this version was anticipated to arrive by late 2025.

Apple was reportedly aiming for a pricing range between $1,500 and $2,000 for this trimmed-down model, which would likely omit certain features like the EyeSight display and potentially utilize lower-resolution screens.

However, the Vision Pro has faced a lukewarm reception, partly due to the absence of compelling use cases. Kuo echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Apple’s decision to delay the lower-cost Vision Pro stems from the realization that simply lowering the price would not generate effective use cases.

Kuo also mentioned that Apple could use the time to release an updated Vision Pro featuring the next-gen M5 silicon, as the current model relies on the 8-core M2 processor paired with an R1 co-processor.

In response to a user’s question on the same platform, Kuo emphasized that what Apple considers an affordable alternative to the Vision Pro might still be perceived as expensive when judged against its competitors. This situation is further complicated by the specialized software ecosystem associated with the headset.

Looking at the broader industry, gaming remains the leading force driving demand in the extended reality (XR) wearables market, yet mainstream options are considerably more budget-friendly. For instance, the Meta Quest 3S starts at just $300, while the Quest 3 is available for around $500, frequently discounted.

The flagship Quest Pro, by contrast, has a price tag of $1,000. Additionally, devices like Xreal, RayNeo, and Viture have established a loyal following in the smart glasses sector, primarily targeting content consumption and gaming enthusiasts.

Both Meta and Snap have recently showcased their visions for advanced VR applications, with Google and Samsung also developing their own smart glasses. Qualcomm is expected to supply the required silicon, according to CNBC.

Apple has not officially addressed its plans for smart glasses, although speculation suggests that the company is considering this direction for the future. Until further developments occur, Apple’s XR strategy likely hinges on the Vision line’s success. Whether Apple can establish itself as a significant player in this competitive space remains to be seen.