Apple Vision Pro followup expected to be a more affordable, cut-down model
A rumored cheaper variant of the Apple Vision Pro could be considerably cheaper than the initial release, with Apple aiming to reduce the cost of components by half.
Apple Vision Pro at Apple Park
The Apple Vision Pro is a very specialized piece of hardware, and with an expensive $3,499 price tag to match. While the first release will be a premium product, Apple is allegedly coming up with cheaper versions.
In a Tuesday DigiTimes report citing industry sources, Apple is working on four versions of headset for the second-generation Apple Vision Pro. Sources have confirmed two will eventually be released, with a variance in pricing.
Of the two probable releases, one will be a high-specification variant with premium pricing, reminiscent of the Apple Vision Pro. The second, more likely to be the mass-market edition, will apparently be more price-conscious.
It is unknown what the purpose of the other two models will be.
That second model's price will heavily rely on how much Apple can cut the cost to produce it. To that end, Apple is apparently aiming to reduce the Bill of Materials down to half of what the Apple Vision Pro costs the company.
Sample production for the value-oriented version will apparently take place in the second half of 2024, with a launch anticipated for the second half of 2025.
While DigiTimes has a fairly OK track record when it comes to supply chain matters, it isn't too hot about specifications. However, this rumor does seem quite plausible.
Earlier reports on Apple's headset development plans have touched upon a second edition with a lower price tag than the Apple Vision Pro. In October, it was proposed that a version without the external display, lower-resolution internal displays, and a lower grade of chip instead of Apple Silicon could cost consumers a more wallet-friendly $2,000.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
The only thing I can think of is the original iPhone: people complained when they bought one at full price (over $500!) and then a few months later Apple dropped the price. Purchasers complained, and Apple (Steve) offered refunds.
I *can* sorta imagine Apple offering a new and distinguishable "virtual computing device" of some sort; but not just a less capable, less expensive, AVP.
Vision $899 (Axx Pro)
Vision Pro 1399 (M1 Pro)
Vision Pro 1999 (M2 Pro)
Vision Pro 2499 (M3)
Why not? All of Apples other products have separate consumer and pro lines. Apple may be able to get away with a less powerful chip since the general use case will be apps and media consumption. The iPhone processor is much more powerful then what the Meta Quest 3 has.
The one certainty is that Apple will not make any compromises on the quality of the experience. Any "low cost model" will be at least as capable as the first version of the AVP, and Apple will focus on how the "Apple Vision" is a wonderful experience and the Apple Vision Pro is even better.
Also, while it took 3.5 years, the Apple TV went from a $300/$400 device for the first generation to a $99 device for the 2nd generation. Not exactly the same as the functionality was overall better with the 2nd gem, but it was a major drop in price once they moved from being macOS to iOS based, something that won't happen with Apple Vision OS or HW.
The iPhone SE came out in 2016 with the original iPhone launching in 2007. The iPhone 5c launched in 2013 as first less expensive model with older tech that wasn't just last year's model with a price drop.
Of course, with less resolution comes less processing requirements so I think V2 consumer unit will have same ASi processor as the V1 (by which time it’s cost will have greatly reduced), but the V2 Pro will have better ASi chips. So either M2 or M3 in V1 Pro, same in V2 Consumer and M3 or M4 in V2 Pro. imho. I would hope that the V1 Pro gets M3 not the previously indicated M2 unless M3 is just not needed.
Apple would like to get visionOS in glasses one day. That means less power, not more power. I think we will see a range of capabilities. If you are really buying for more than casual gaming or for 3D modeling then the Pro model is likely needed. I imagine the standard model will run flat apps and play movies just fine, but with fewer batteries and longer runtime.
Additionally, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Apple release an AR version of their upscaling technology to lower hardware requirements. Qualcomm recently released their own version of this. It is tricky to do since you wouldn’t want to do that for text rendering, but I’d be surprised if we don’t see it by the next model.
Then you're talking AR, not VR, and I've seen nothing that indicates that this is where Apple is taking all this in the near future when they've clearly made AR a feature of their VR experience.
Apple must be on to something big if so many are crying Apple please make it cheaper, and the Apple Vision Pro hasn't even been released yet. I would recommend opening a brokerage account, if you haven't already done so and buy Apple shares before the release early next year of Apple Vision Pro after all Apple has given everyone a heads up six months ago most of general public is still oblivious.
Steve Jobs coming back, iMac, OSX, iPod, iPhone, iPad, A-Series chip, Apple Silicon, Apple Watch, Air Pods, with the imminent release of the Apple Vision Pro, with that sexy R1 chip there is another rumble in the force. And I don't mean the hairstyle of a certain Apple executive.