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Apple Could Launch a Cheaper Vision Pro Headset
During the WWDC 2023 event held last week, Apple finally unveiled its much-awaited device – Apple Vision Pro, a headset designed to “usher in a new era of virtual reality experience.” However, the exorbitant price tag of $3,499 immediately made it clear that the headset is not meant for everyone. Nevertheless, reports suggest that Apple is already working on an affordable version of the Vision Pro headset, making the technology more accessible and widespread.
What’s the Deal with the Cheaper Apple Headset?
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple is preparing to launch an affordable variant of the Vision Pro headset. This development will most likely offer people an opportunity to try out AR/VR technology without the hefty price tag of the standard Vision Pro headset. To deliver the same experience at a lower price, Apple will need to make some changes to the device’s hardware and design. Gurman has listed a few potential ways that Apple can reduce costs without sacrificing the product’s overall quality.
Potential Changes to Reduce Costs
As of now, the major contributing factors to the cost of the Vision Pro headset are its camera and sensor array, its micro OLED displays, and its dual processor architecture. To reduce costs, Apple might:
- Use lower-quality screens (preferably microLED)
- Include fewer cameras and sensors, and rely on an old Mac chipset (preferably M1 chip) along with the R1 chip
- Opt for a simpler headband
- Forego the in-built speakers required for Spatial Audio
- Remove the 3D camera feature and other non-essential components
Note that Gurman believes that the external screen known as EyeSight and the hand tracking system are the areas where Apple is least likely to cut costs.
Possible Release Date
Gurman speculated that the name Vision Pro itself indicates that a non-Pro version of the headset is in the pipeline. He expects that the cheaper headset will reach consumer-scale production by 2025. However, Apple has not confirmed these reports, so take this development with a grain of salt.
Will an Affordable Apple AR/VR Headset be Worthwhile?
The question is, will people be interested in purchasing an affordable Apple AR/VR headset? The answer to that question might depend on Apple’s pricing strategy. If the price reduction is significant enough, then more people might be willing to take advantage of this new technology. We will keep you updated on further developments.
FAQs
What is Apple Vision Pro?
Apple Vision Pro is a virtual and augmented reality headset launched in 2023 by Apple. With an exorbitant price tag of $3,499, it is not a device meant for everyone.
Is there a cheaper version of the Vision Pro headset?
Reports suggest that Apple is ramped up to launch an affordable variant of the Vision Pro headset, making it more accessible to a wider audience. However, Apple has not released an official statement about any affordable version of this headset.
What are the potential changes to reduce costs for the cheaper headset?
To reduce costs, Apple might:
- Use lower-quality screens (preferably microLED)
- Include fewer cameras and sensors
- Opt for an older Mac chipset (preferably the M1 chip) along with the R1 chip
- Forego the in-built speakers required for spatial audio and opt for a simpler headband
- Remove the 3D camera feature and other non-essential components
When is the affordable headset expected to release?
Gurman speculates that the cheaper non-pro variant of the Vision Pro headset will reach consumer-scale production by 2025. However, these reports have not been confirmed by Apple.
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