Apple Faces Challenges in Generating Interest for a Budget-Friendly Vision Pro

The Apple Vision Pro, priced at a hefty $3,500, has faced challenges since its launch. Known for its impressive visuals and precise hand tracking within the VR landscape, the initial buzz around this device has dwindled rather quickly. A significant part of this decline in excitement can be attributed to its steep cost. For Apple to position it as a formidable rival to the Meta Quest 3, it may need to strip away what makes the Vision Pro distinct.

Inside Apple’s headquarters, efforts are underway to craft a more affordable version of the Vision headset, anticipated to debut next year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this new device might be priced between $1,500 and $2,000. To achieve this price reduction, Apple could potentially axe certain features, like the EyeSight exterior display, which duplicates the user’s eyes on the outside. It seems like a missed opportunity that Apple didn’t make this decision sooner.

This budget-friendly model is currently known under the codename N107. Apple might opt for a less powerful chip than the M2 currently powering the Vision Pro. Even though the Vision Pro fully leverages the M2’s capabilities, cost-cutting could involve scaling back on the passthrough features and narrowing the field of view. Such changes could strip away the uniqueness that set the Vision Pro apart from competitors like the $500 Quest 3.

There are also more drastic measures under consideration. Anonymous sources cited by Gurman suggest that Apple has thought about requiring this cheaper model to tether to an iPhone or Mac. Although products like the $1,800 Spacetop G1 and XReal’s Beam Pro necessitate an external power source and connection via additional hardware, they offer lighter alternatives compared to a headset. A particularly unpopular design element of the Vision Pro is its external battery pack, and adding more cables could further diminish the following Vision’s functionality.

Looking ahead, a new version of the Vision Pro, with the codename N109, might emerge in 2026. This iteration will likely focus on enhancing comfort and capabilities, refining what is already perceived as a top-tier headset, albeit largely unattainable due to its price.

Apple’s drive towards augmented reality remains strong. Gurman notes that the company is actively recruiting for its VR division, even as it scales back on projected Vision sales for 2025. The long-term vision, which CEO Tim Cook initially championed, involves developing true AR glasses, although insiders believe that reality may still be quite far off.

Although the Meta Quest 3 offers better value for the money, Meta is now channeling more energy into products like the Meta Ray-Bans, which have exceeded initial popularity expectations.

Despite recent enhancements to visionOS showcased at WWDC, they’ve failed to reignite interest in Apple’s introductory VR headset. Significant barriers remain, such as discomfort and a prohibitive price tag, making the headset a hard sell, especially when a smartphone or laptop often suffices for most entertainment and productivity needs. If the headset requires a connection to such devices, it only underscores its peripheral nature compared to something more portable that can fit into your pocket or backpack.