Apple may be preparing to launch a low-priced version of Vision Pro

Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman revealed in his “Power On” column that the rumored budget version of Apple’s Vision Pro will reduce manufacturing costs by simplifying features such as the EyeSight function, which displays the wearer’s current eye expression on an external screen, and by decreasing the number of external cameras.

Contrasted with the Vision Pro, which will retail at $3,499 when it launches next year, the budget variant’s price, based on internal discussions at Apple, seems to be positioned between $1,500 and $2,500. This is evidently more expensive than most virtual reality headsets on the market, yet it is notably more accessible compared to the Vision Pro.

In terms of cost reduction strategies, Gurman indicated that Apple plans to streamline the EyeSight function, cut the number of external cameras, use processors equivalent to those in the iPhone, and incorporate a display with a relatively lower resolution. These changes aim to significantly reduce the selling price, targeting a broader range of consumers.

Previously, Gurman anticipated that the budget Vision Pro would enter the market by the end of 2025, potentially under the moniker “Vision One”. However, market analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the actual shipment volumes for the Vision Pro might be between 400,000 to 600,000 units, less than initially projected. Kuo even suggests that rumors of the budget Vision Pro have been dismissed by Apple.

In competition with Apple’s Vision Pro, there are reports that Meta is collaborating with LG to develop a virtual reality headset to rival Apple’s offering. For now, it remains uncertain whether this new device will replace the existing Quest Pro or be introduced as a distinct product.