Apple reportedly wants to launch a cheaper AR/VR Vision headset, codenamed N107, as soon as late 2025. While the company set this plan even before the Vision Pro‘s launch, it might fail to meet the deadline.
The company’s engineers are struggling to reduce costs without affecting the headset’s key features.
Cheaper Vision headset could require a tethered iPhone or Mac to work
The $3,500 Vision Pro launched with much hype in early 2024. Despite Apple’s best efforts, though, the mixed-reality headset has failed to take off. Its steep price tag is one reason.
Another major issue is the lack of quality apps and content for visionOS that utilize the headset’s spatial computing capabilities. The Vision Pro’s US availability also limited its reach. But this will change later this month, as the headset will debut in China, Singapore, and several other major European markets.
Mark Gurman, in his latest Power On newsletter edition, claims Apple is testing narrowing the field of view on the cheaper Vision headset. Supposedly, the company is also considering requiring a tethered iPhone or Mac for the headset to work. The move will help Apple remove a lot of chips and components, helping reduce the overall component costs.
This move would mean that you must connect the Vision headset to an iPhone or Mac to work.
Vision Pro 2 also in development
While still a few years from launch, Apple is also working on the Vision Pro successor. Codenamed N109, the existing prototype looks similar to the current model and features a faster processor and improved external cameras. Apple is exploring ways to make the second-gen Vision Pro lighter and more comfortable to wear.
A previous report claimed the Vision Pro 2 might not arrive until the end of 2026, so a lot could change by then. Apple has also “renewed efforts” to develop its AR glasses. But they are still in the early stages of development and are unlikely to be ready in the next few years.
