Apple has suspended work on its next-generation Vision Pro headset to focus on developing a more affordable model, according to The Information.
Recently, Apple expanded the availability of the current Vision Pro to eight new countries and showcased upcoming software updates for visionOS 2 at WWDC 2024.
Cheaper Model Planned for Late 2025
As per report, Apple is now prioritizing a cheaper version of the Vision Pro, slated for release by the end of 2025. Development of the high-end second-generation Vision Pro has been paused, signaling a strategic shift towards affordability.
The target price for the cheaper Apple Vision headset is around $1500, aimed at competing with products like Meta Quest, significantly lower than the current $3,500 Vision Pro. Initially, Apple planned multiple models in the Vision lineup, but now it seems only the lower-cost model will move forward.
Over the past year, staffing for the second-generation Vision Pro has decreased, indicating a gradual pivot towards the cheaper model. Despite efforts to cut costs without compromising quality, engineering challenges persist, particularly in reducing weight, a common critique of the Vision Pro.
Mark Gurman’s previous report supports Apple’s focus on a more affordable headset, potentially named Apple Vision or Apple Vision One, aiming to reduce costs with simpler components while retaining key features like eye-tracking and spatial audio.
Production forecasts from suppliers suggest Apple’s cautious optimism, with plans to manufacture fewer than 500,000 Vision Pro units this year. While Apple might revisit a high-end version in the future, current indications point to a strategic shift towards affordability in the short term.