The Apple Vision Pro has been available in the US since early 2024 and also in a limited number of European countries from July 2024. According to the new rumors, Apple would like to launch a cheaper model in 2025.
The Apple Vision Pro has a starting price of no less than €3999. That is almost the same price as the most expensive 14-inch MacBook Pro. According to various rumors, Apple has temporarily paused the development of the Vision Pro 2 and the company is now mainly working on a cheaper version of their spatial computer, but it is missing some important functions.
Apple Vision Pro 2 temporarily stopped (new)
Previously it was rumored that in addition to a budget-friendly Apple Vision, they were also hard at work on the Apple Vision Pro 2. According to sources to The Information Apple has temporarily put the developments of the second generation on hold and is now fully concentrating on a cheaper model.
Previously shared Ming Chi Kuo He also said that the second generation Apple Vision Pro is expected in 2027. This will mainly contain a faster processor and some minor changes. Which ones are as yet unknown.
Budget-friendly Apple Vision
Bloomberg thinks Apple is busy with AR/VR headsets. In addition to the Vision Pro, which has been available since early 2024, Apple will eventually also launch a budget-friendly version. This could possibly be called Apple Vision or Apple Vision One.
To keep the price down, this version would consist of affordable parts and less advanced technology. There are no exact facts yet, but Mark Gurman shares some details.
No EyeSight for normal Vision
Bloomberg has learned that the regular version of the Apple Vision may not include Eyesight. This is the extra screen on the front of the glasses that allows spectators to see the wearer’s eyes. This seems like a simple screen, but it is not. With an advanced lens, it shows different parts of the eyes from different angles. The technology is not cheap, so to save costs this function is omitted from the ‘normal’ Apple Vision.
No expensive M-chip
The unique dual-chip design powers the spatial experiences on Apple Vision Pro. The powerful M2 chip simultaneously runs visionOS, runs advanced computer vision algorithms, and delivers stunning graphics, all with incredible efficiency. The brand new R1 chip is dedicated to processing input from the cameras, sensors and microphones, streaming images to the screens within 12 milliseconds.
The M2 chip is an expensive processor and to reduce costs an A17 Pro chip may be chosen. This is cheaper and in terms of performance it is sufficient for the ‘standard’ Vision. The M2 chip requires a fan for cooling, which may be unnecessary when using an A chip.
Does not work completely independently (new)
The Apple Vision Pro is equipped with its own processors that make it possible to use the Vision completely independently. Bloomberg reports that the cheaper Apple Vision may become more dependent on an iPhone, iPad or Mac. The spatial computer will then use the processor of the other Apple device for certain tasks, among other things. So there will be more cooperation between both products.
Smaller field of view (new)
The Vision Pro already has an excellent field of view, but many users ‘complain’ about the ‘tunnel vision’. Bloomberg says Apple is testing vision models with a smaller field of view to reduce costs. Whether this will actually be the case in the cheaper model is as yet unknown.
Cut costs even more
The most expensive parts of the Apple Vision Pro are undoubtedly the micro-OLED screens of more than 4K per screen, the 12 cameras, sensors and processors. According to Gurman, Apple can choose to put lower quality screens in the Vision. This includes a smaller number of cameras and sensors.
Another option is to remove the spatial audio speakers from the headset, allowing users to use their own earphones.
Still, the quality of the cheaper Vision will be excellent and Apple will, according to Gurman, retain some fundamental features. Consider the screen that shows the wearer’s eyes, operating with eye and hand gestures.
Price of entry-level Vision
The Vision Pro headset will not be everyone’s friend, because the price is anything but cheap. With a starting price of $3499 (€3999), not just anyone will purchase this spatial computer. It is currently unknown how expensive the cheaper model will be, but Apple will have to reduce the price considerably to be able to sell the headset to ordinary consumers.
According to sources to Digitimes the cheaper model of the Vision will be priced around $1500 to $2500. At least, that’s what Apple is aiming for. Details from Apple’s suppliers indicate that this lower price is feasible because parts and assembly would be cheaper. However, the research costs must be covered by the sales of the Pro models.
When available? (new)
The budget-friendly Apple Vision is not expected until 2025 at the earliest and could easily represent the breakthrough of Apple’s spatial computer. The Vision Pro is not everyone’s friend, mainly due to its hefty price tag, and many Apple users still have doubts about the usability of Vision.