Prescription lenses for Apple Vision Pro are cheaper than expected

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AppleInsiderAppleInsider
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in Apple Vision Pro edited January 2024

Apple has announced two lens families for its forthcoming Apple Vision Pro, a Reader option and full Zeiss prescription lenses, both for considerably less than predicted.

A Zeiss optical insert lens, at least similar to the ones being prepared for Vision Pro (Source: Zeiss)
A Zeiss optical insert lens, at least similar to the ones being prepared for Vision Pro (Source: Zeiss)



Based on Zeiss's work with other companies, it was previously rumored that Apple Vision Pro would have prescription lenses that cost between $300 and $600. Now that Apple has announced a shipping date for Vision Pro, it has also revealed that add-ons for vision improvement will cost either $99, or $149.

"For those with vision correction needs," says Apple, "ZEISS Optical Inserts are available with a prescription or as readers that magnetically attach to Vision Pro, allowing users to take full advantage of the display's incredible sharpness and clarity."

A Reader is similar to the kind of glasses sold as reading glasses, and are not prescription. It's not clear yet whether it will be necessary to specify prescription lenses to be inserted into the Vision Pro at time of order, or whether they can be bought later.

Zeiss itself has only referred to its inserts, and even then not given more detail beyond an image showing an eye-shaped lens that is made for including within the Vision Pro.



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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 8
    thttht Posts: 5,902member
    Wonder if bifocals are in needed? Focal distance is basically constant, so no need?
    watto_cobra
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  • Reply 2 of 8
    eightzeroeightzero Posts: 3,183member
    tht said:
    Wonder if bifocals are in needed? Focal distance is basically constant, so no need?
    This is very much an important consideration for me. It is not clear (!) to me if I can even use this device. 
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 8
    mknelsonmknelson Posts: 1,163member
    tht said:
    Wonder if bifocals are in needed? Focal distance is basically constant, so no need?
    You should just need whichever single lens (for each eye) works for you at the focal distance of the display.

    It'll be interesting to see what documentation Apple publishes for your optometrist to reference.
    dewmeAlex1Nwatto_cobra
     3Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 8
    InspiredCodeinspiredcode Posts: 406member
    Not surprising. Apple just inflates prices for SSD and RAM.

    Wonder if these could be charged to Vision Insurance or HSA.
    williamlondon
     0Likes 0Dislikes 1Informative
  • Reply 5 of 8
    thttht Posts: 5,902member
    mknelson said:
    tht said:
    Wonder if bifocals are in needed? Focal distance is basically constant, so no need?
    You should just need whichever single lens (for each eye) works for you at the focal distance of the display.

    It'll be interesting to see what documentation Apple publishes for your optometrist to reference.
    I actually have 3 different prescriptions. ;)

    I'm old and nearsighted, so I need a lens for seeing far, a lens for seeing something 12 to 20 inches away, though I seem to prefer no glasses for tablet and phone distances now, and a lens for 20 to 30 inches away for computer monitors.

    The focal distance in the VP looks to be about 40 inches or so based on the promotion materials so far. So, uh, a 4th prescription?

    Anyways, first and foremost is I easily get motion sick from 3D games and simulators. I'm not touching it until I hear testimonials on that.
    Alex1Nwatto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 6 of 8
    currentinterestcurrentinterest Posts: 210member
    My guess is one will specify their prescription and an algorithm will specify the lenses required for best results.
    edited January 2024
    Alex1Nbaconstangwatto_cobra
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  • Reply 7 of 8
    beowulfschmidtbeowulfschmidt Posts: 2,400member
    That's still 20-80% more expensive than the most expensive options from other vendors.  I wonder if they will include some of the extras that other vendors supply, or if those extras will even be necessary.
    williamlondon
     0Likes 0Dislikes 1Informative
  • Reply 8 of 8
    Appleishappleish Posts: 758member
    I'm nearsighted and use prescription reading glasses for my computer, tuned to sharpness around 20".
    I have a very slight astigmatism in one eye.
    However, I don't use glasses when I am reading something in my hand, because I don't need them there.
    I assume I will need these lenses, but right now I'm honestly not sure.
    I have a very specific and sensitive prescription for my regular glasses and reading glasses.
    I need more info and they better be prepared to fix issues with alterations to prescriptions.
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 1Informative
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