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At $3,500, Apple’s mixed-reality device has faced challenges in securing significant sales. That’s why the the follow-up to the Apple Vision Pro will be priced much aggressively read more
 "What to expect from Apple's next mixed reality headsets?")
Apple’s venture into Spatial Computing with the launch of the Apple Vision Pro at WWDC 2023 has garnered mixed reactions. The headset, released in February 2024, has been praised for its design and potential applications in fields like medical care.
However, at $3,500, the mixed-reality device has faced challenges in securing significant sales. As is often the case with Apple products, attention has swiftly turned to the next iteration. Here’s what the rumour mill is saying about the follow-up to the Apple Vision Pro.
Apple is known for not resting on its laurels with any single product generation. It has the resources to develop multiple products simultaneously, ensuring a steady stream of advancements and updates.
Several new designs
Early rumours indicated that Apple was working on several headset designs even before the first Apple Vision Pro hit the market. By late 2022, it was suggested that Apple had at least two more headsets in development, along with the rumoured Apple Glass smart glasses.
Under the codename “N602,” the second generation of Apple Vision Pro is expected to have two variants. One will be a premium upgrade of the initial version, while the other will be a more affordable, consumer-grade model. This strategy aims to cater to both high-end users and a broader market by offering a cost-effective alternative.
Major price reduction
Reports from November 2023 hinted at a significant price reduction for the consumer-grade version of the next Apple Vision Pro. The goal is to halve the Bill of Materials, thereby reducing the production cost substantially. Although the exact consumer price remains speculative, analysts believe it could range between $1,500 and $2,500. This price cut is expected to make the headset more accessible to a wider audience.
To achieve this price reduction, Apple is likely to make significant adjustments to the headset’s components. High-cost elements like the camera and sensor array, dual Apple Silicon chips, and twin 4K microLED displays could see major downgrades.
For instance, the number of external cameras might be reduced, and the dual chips could be replaced with a single chip, possibly from the A-series used in iPhones. The displays could also shift to slightly lower-resolution versions.
Some downgrades in specifications
Further cost-saving measures might include a simpler headband design, using AirPods for spatial audio, and eliminating features such as the 3D camera and automatic interpupillary distance adjustments. Initially, it was suggested that the EyeSight external display would remain, but by October, reports indicated this feature might also be cut to save costs.
What makes the Apple Vision Pro truly unique is its ability to function independently, without the need to be powered by any other piece of hardware. Unlike earlier VR headsets, it doesn’t need to be tethered to a host device for processing. However, this might change with the next version.
To further reduce costs and weight, the new headset could rely on a host device, such as an iPhone or Mac, for processing power. This would not only cut down on the headset’s internal components but also create a tiered product lineup. The premium models would remain standalone, while the more affordable versions would be tethered.
Coming sooner than anticipated
Speculation suggests that the next iteration of the Apple Vision Pro could be unveiled sooner than anticipated. A Bloomberg report from February 2024 hinted at an 18-month development cycle, placing the potential launch in late summer 2025. However, the report did not provide specific details on the timing.
By June 2024, reports indicated that Apple had reached out to manufacturers of small OLED-on-Silicon panels for a new mixed-reality headset. Sony, the current supplier of the Apple Vision Pro, might be joined by Apple’s usual display partners, LG and Samsung. These panels are expected to be slightly larger but with half the resolution of the current model, likely destined for the consumer-grade version.
Meanwhile, development of the premium model has stalled, though work on the consumer-grade model continued.
Apple Vision headsets but on a diet
One of the primary complaints about the Apple Vision Pro has been its weight. Early user feedback indicated that the headset was “too heavy for some users,” causing neck strain during prolonged use.
While much about the next Apple Vision Pro remains speculative, several trends are clear. Apple aims to create a more affordable version of its mixed-reality headset by trimming down high-cost components and shifting to a tethered operation.
Despite these changes, the company is likely to address user feedback, particularly concerning the device’s weight. As always, Apple’s next move in Spatial Computing promises to be innovative, though it may still come with a hefty price tag. However, with the anticipated adjustments, users can expect a more accessible and user-friendly device shortly.
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English (US) ·