A cheaper version of Apple’s Vision augmented reality headset has reportedly been fast-tracked. The goal is supposedly to have the scaled-back device on the market by 2025.
To accomplish this, Apple allegedly halted work on the next generation high-end Vision Pro model.
Apple Vision Pro 2 is on hold
Vision Pro is Apple’s first entry into “spatial computing.” The headset focuses on augmented reality, which overlays computer-generated content onto the real world, though it offers virtual reality, too. And it sports many other features — it can be a desktop Mac replacement. While its bleeding-edge technology draws praise, the $3,500 price remains a drawback.
In response, the Mac-maker is allegedly changing its focus away from top-end models.
“Apple has told at least one supplier that it has suspended work on its next high-end Vision headset,” reported The Information on Tuesday.
The current premium model launches outside the United States later in June, but U.S. demand for Vision Pro supposedly slowed months ago.
Bring on the lighter, cheaper Apple Vision headset
Halting work on Vision Pro 2 does not mean CEO Tim Cook has dropped out of the AR headset category.
“The company is still working on releasing a more affordable Vision product with fewer features before the end of 2025,” said The Information.
In addition to lowering the price, Apple is also reportedly planning to cut the weight by at least a third.
Developing a lower-cost version of the AR headset isn’t a change in strategy — the device is simply coming sooner than expected. Leaks indicate it was always Apple’s intention to introduce high-end and low-end vision products. That’s why the original model is called “Vision Pro,” after all.
What the cost for the more affordable version will be is unknown at this time. Hopefully, significantly below $3,500.
