Apple must have heard the complaints about the cost and weight of the Vision Pro AR headset, because it’s reportedly working on a Vision Air that will be half as expensive and almost half the weight. That’s the word coming Tuesday from a source who’s built a reputation by often being accurate in predictions about future Apple products.
It’ll take Apple a while to develop the new product, though.
Vision Air cost should attract far more customers
Apple stunned the world with the Vision Pro headset in 2024. It remains hands-down the most advanced AR/VR product on the market. Unfortunately, it also stunned many potential customers with its price: $3,500. The 1.4-pound weight isn’t a bonus, either. But Apple is developing a significantly more affordable version that’s also much lighter.
“Apple is expected to launch Vision Air in 2027, which will address the high weight and price of the Vision Pro,” wrote Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with TF International Securities, in a note to investors. “The new device is estimated to be over 40% lighter and more than 50% cheaper.”
Half the cost would put the price about $1,750, and a 40% drop in weight puts the device at about 0.8 pounds.
Vision Pro was kind of a flop, but Kuo predicts the price and weight changes will bring a boost in sales to the future addition to the line.
“Vision Air shipments are anticipated to reach one million units in 2027 (vs. existing models with shipments below 400,000 units),” wrote the analyst.
Don’t call it Vision Pro 2
By all reports, Apple’s next headset won’t be a replacement for the current Vision Pro, but an addition to the product line. Following a similar strategy as the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, Apple is reportedly making a lighter, cheaper Vision model with many features taken out.
According to a previous report from Kuo, lowering the cost of the Vision Air requires building the headset around an iPhone chip rather than a Mac-grade processor. Much of the weight gain will come by stripping out sensors.
A redesigned Vision Pro model is also in development, but won’t be out until after the Air. That said, a version of the current Vision Pro upgraded with a faster chip should hit the market this autumn.
