Highlights
- Apple may shift focus to a more affordable mixed reality headset, possibly priced around $1,000, to appeal to more users.
- The new Apple Vision may still offer high resolution display but could remove certain features to lower costs.
- Meta Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro face competition as both companies look to offer more affordable options in the market.
Apple appears to be shifting from its plans to develop a new version of the high-end Vision Pro, and is instead focusing on creating a more affordable version of it. The new Apple headset could help to encourage new users to pick up the headset following lackluster sales of the original $3,500 device.
The Apple Vision Pro is a mixed reality headset that was announced in 2023 and launched early in 2024. The mixed reality device allows users to see the world around them while they interact with what's happening on the screen. Similar to the virtual reality/mixed reality Meta Quest Pro, the Apple Vision Pro can be used wirelessly and without the need for any external tracking devices, but the devices have significant differences, as well.
Sony Could Be Working on an Apple Vision Pro Competitor
Sony files a patent that hints at a new PlayStation product that may compete with Apple’s Vision Pro by utilizing AR technology in gaming.
Now, The Information has released a report alleging that Apple is shifting its focus away from creating an even more advanced follow-up to the Vision Pro, and is instead working on a more affordable variant of it. The device is codenamed N109, and could see a release in 2025. The report alleges that the new mixed reality headset will still retain the high resolution display that users have come to enjoy, but will remove or downgrade certain features that inflate the cost of the Apple Vision Pro currently on the market.
The Cost and Competition to the New Apple Vision
The report states that this new version of the Apple Vision will still be pretty expensive, at least in comparison to some virtual reality headsets on the market. The Information claims that the cost of the new device will be roughly the same as an iPhone Pro, so around $1000, give or take. This would be a huge discount from the current device, and would put it more in line with the virtual reality/mixed reality Meta Quest Pro, which hit shelves with an MSRP of $1,5000 that has since been reduced to $999.99.
Given the similarities between the Apple Vision Pro spatial computer and the Meta Quest Pro headsets, there are natural comparisons between the two. The Meta Quest Pro is a combination virtual reality and mixed reality device with high-resolution full color passthrough, as well as eye tracking, a feature the Apple Vision Pro also has. However, it lacks the Apple Vision Pro's EyeSight function, which lets others see where the user's eyes are looking when the device is in use. Interestingly, similar to this report about Apple, Meta is reportedly also scaling back its development of the Meta Quest Pro line, and seems to be focusing on a more affordable version of the Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headset instead.
While there's clearly a market for mixed reality and virtual reality devices, it seems that the leading developers are still looking to find the sweet spot for features versus cost. The Apple Vision Pro may see a new wave of popularity when it releases outside the United States soon, which could alter the course for the company further.
Apple
Apple began as a small tech company that evolved into one of the most innovative and well-known brands in all of computing and mobile phones. Their iPhone sees a massive following and they've since spread their umbrella to include streaming services and original productions.
