Reports indicate that Apple is exploring options to reduce the field of view and pass-through functionality of its next Vision headset, or even connect it to a Mac or iPhone. Despite these changes, the price could still be $1,500 or more.
The $3,500 Apple Vision Pro has yet to find its niche in the market. Despite offering some of the best visuals and hand-tracking in the virtual reality space, the initial excitement has faded within a few months of its launch. This is partly due to its exorbitant price. So, what does it take to lower that cost and make it competitive against the Meta Quest 3? It seems the solution might involve stripping away the features that make the Vision Pro stand out.
Apple is working diligently from its Cupertino headquarters to design a more affordable version of the Vision headset, expected to launch next year. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, this device could cost between $1,500 and $2,000. Gurman’s latest report outlines some strategies Apple might use to reduce costs for the end user. This could include eliminating the external EyeSight display, which recreates the user’s eyes. Had Apple omitted this feature from the start, it might have lowered the price and benefited everyone.
The current model of this more affordable headset is known as N107. Apple’s next headsets might use a less powerful chip than the M2 found in the Vision Pro, even though the current headsets already push that CPU to its limits. Apple could also limit the pass-through capabilities and reduce the field of view. However, these changes could strip away the features that make the Vision Pro unique compared to the $500 Quest 3.
Other possible options are even less appealing. According to anonymous sources cited by Gurman, Apple has considered requiring the more affordable Vision to connect to an iPhone or Mac. Products like the $1,800 Spacetop G1 and the recent XReal Beam Pro require additional power from an external device and a wired connection to operate, though at least those glasses are much lighter than a headset. One of the biggest criticisms of the Vision Pro was its wired external battery, so more cables would further reduce the functionality of the next model.
A new version of the Vision Pro is expected in 2026, codenamed N109. This device likely only needs to improve comfort and processing capabilities of what is already one of the most attractive high-end headsets on the market, even if few can afford it.
Apple is not ready to abandon its altered reality ambitions. According to Gurman, the company is still hiring for its virtual reality unit, despite analysts suggesting that Apple has lowered its 2025 Vision sales expectations. The next big goal, and the original ambition of CEO Tim Cook, is true AR glasses, though Apple staff still believe that could take many years to achieve.
Although the Meta Quest 3 remains a more attractive option overall, reports suggest that Meta is focusing more on products like Meta Ray-Bans, which have exceeded initial popularity expectations.
Despite the recent advancements and improvements in visionOS showcased at WWDC, excitement for Apple’s first VR headsets has not taken off. The current limitations of the technology, from its limited comfort to its high price, make it a hard sell for most people, especially when a laptop and phone are more than sufficient for work and entertainment. Connecting the headsets to any of these external devices only highlights how auxiliary they are compared to something that can fit in a backpack or pocket.
Nestor Castillo, ForAllTechNews Director