The less expensive version of the Apple Vision Pro has now become the center of attention for the technology giant’s mixed-reality push, as it was recently reported that work on the direct successor had been suspended. However, while Apple has been working on this version for years, it is running into a major obstacle, and that is bringing the cost down while retaining the product’s core features.
Affordable Apple Vision Pro is said to have a price in the $1,500 to $2,000 range, with its original launch timeline planned for 2025
Earlier, it was reported that the somewhat pocket-friendly version of the Apple Vision Pro would be priced in between the $1,500 to $2,500 range. Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has provided an update in the latest edition of his ‘Power On’ newsletter. The unnamed device is codenamed N107 and is said to arrive sometime in 2025, with Apple’s original launch intentions not wavering an inch after the $3,499 headset officially launched. However, the Cupertino firm has encountered problems that will most likely challenge the unveiling timeframe, such as cost-cutting.
Apparently, Apple cannot trim the price of the low-cost Apple Vision Pro without sacrificing the critical features. Previously, we reported that the company was exploring other ways to reduce the component costs, such as shifting from a Mac chipset to an iPhone, resorting to an inferior display sporting a lower resolution, fewer cameras, and the lack of EyeSight. On this occasion, Gurman reports that these remain on Apple’s cost-cutting list, but in doing so, the technology titan might hamper the user experience, resulting in fewer buyers picking up the affordable variant.
There are other ways to reduce the financial burden on future buyers, but none of these options are ideal. For instance, one of the prototypes features a narrower field of view compared to the more expensive version. The company is also mulling to make the upcoming head-mounted wearable tethered to a Mac or iPhone. This approach would let Apple save money on the processing power and components needed to make the less expensive device a fully standalone product, but keeping it linked to another Apple product is hardly an optimistic scenario.
Fortunately, the company has months to figure out how to deal with these obstacles. While its talented team of engineers has had its fair share of internal conflicts, they are still bonded with a single goal; to create the best consumer-focused products in the world.