There were gasps when Apple first revealed that the Vision Pro headset costs $3,499, but shoppers who load the spatial-computing device up with additional storage and Apple’s recommended add-ons pay almost twice as much.
But to put that price in perspective, an earlier ground-breaking Apple product — one that changed computers forever — cost even more than that when it launched decades ago.
Apple Vision Pro cost can reach $6,000+
Apple built just about every possible feature into its first foray into augmented reality. Vision Pro’s tiny micro-OLED screens are better than 4K — they pack in 23 million pixels each. And the headset has 12 cameras needed to monitor and display the environment around the user. The computer has both an M2 and a new R1 processor to run applications that appear to be floating between the user and the world. No physical controls are necessary to use it.
Cutting-edge tech like that doesn’t sell for cheap. As noted, the base unit is $3,499. But that’s only the start.
The base version has 256GB of storage. Upgrade to 1TB for an additional $400.
If you wear glasses, you’ll need optical inserts. These are $149.
Using Vision Pro without being tied to a wall socket requires an external battery. One costs $199, while a battery holder is $49.95. Add a two-meter charging cable for $58, and a travel case for the headset itself is $199.
A Dual Loop headband intended to make Apple’s 1.3-pound headset a bit more comfortable sets you back $99.
AppleCare+ is an obvious choice for Vision Pro, given its hefty cost. That adds $499 to the total.
Add Apple accessories for work or fun
Beyond the add-ons that might qualify as basics, Apple suggests a variety of additional accessories when placing an order.
Watching video on Vision Pro will be better with a pair of AirPods Pro 2 ($249), as the earbuds offer lossless audio with the headset. Gamers might want a Sony Playstation wireless controller ($69.95)
And Apple keeps emphasizing that spatial computing is not only about fun and games. The headset can also be used for work, and the list of suggested accessories include a Magic Keyboard ($99) and a Magic Trackpad ($129) for word processing, email, spreadsheets, etc.
Apple also suggested an AirTag ($29) because no one wants to misplace all this gear.
When we finished a Vision Pro order on Apple.com in which we took all of the recommended add-ons, the cost came to $6,257.43.
Compare Vision Pro cost to 1984 Macintosh
There’s been much criticism of Vision Pro’s cost, and there’s no doubt it’s an expensive piece of kit. But some people are arguing that the price inevitably dooms the product.
If a hefty cost always meant failure, Apple would have been out of business and mostly forgotten for decades. Because the product that really put the company on the map launched with a jaw-dropping pricetag.
When the original Macintosh launched in 1984, it cost $2,495. Adjust that for inflation, and the desktop computer that Steve Jobs was proud to release came in at $7,275.
Makes the Vision Pro cost almost seem like a bargain, doesn’t it?
