For years, virtual reality headsets have captivated our imagination. When Apple introduced its first VR headset, the Apple Vision Pro, fans were eagerly waiting to see what the Cupertino-based tech giant had created. Last year, during the initial unveiling of the Vision Pro, Apple created a stir by giving select journalists exclusive access to try out and learn its capabilities. Media reviews were largely positive and this created even more excitement among people. The VR headset went on sale in the US in February this year. However, a new report by The Verge states that sales of the Vision Pro have been slow. This is why, the tech giant is reportedly planning to bring a cheaper Vision Pro headset.

Is Apple coming out with a cheaper Vision Pro?

According to a recent report from The Information, Apple might be moving away from developing a new high-end Vision headset. Instead, the tech giant is reportedly exploring ways to reduce the cost of components for its existing models and is in the process of developing a more affordable version of the Vision headset, aiming to release it by the end of 2025.

The Vision Pro is known for its high-resolution display and advanced features, but has been criticized for its price, starting at US$3,499. It has also been criticized for its weight, making it less comfortable for long periods of use. With Vision Pro sales declining, it seems Apple is rethinking its strategy.

A report from The Verge says that the new, more budget-friendly headset, codenamed N109, is expected to retain the high-resolution display that distinguishes the Vision Pro, but will drop some features to achieve a lighter build – reportedly one-third lighter than the original. Furthermore, according to Bloomberg, Apple aims to price this new model in the range of the high-end iPhone, which is between USD 1,500 and USD 2,500.

However, The Information reported that Apple has faced challenges in reducing costs without significantly compromising on features, which could push the headset’s release beyond its 2025 target. As of now, Apple has not made any official comment on these developments.

In March this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the possibility of the Vision Pro hitting the Chinese market later this year. A CNBC report states that in a video shared on CCTV’s Weibo account, the Apple CEO confirmed the launch of the Vision Pro in China when asked.

About Apple Vision Pro

In June last year, Cook unveiled the Vision Pro during WWDC 2023 and called it “a new kind of computer.”

The base model of the Vision Pro comes with 256GB of storage and includes various accessories such as a Solo Knit Band, Dual Loop Band, one Light Seal, two Light Seal Cushions, Apple Vision Pro Cover, Polishing Cloth, Battery, and USB-C Charging Cable with USB-C Power Adapter.

The device features a 4K display for each eye, allowing users to switch between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) with a side-mounted dial. The headset runs on a dual-chip setup consisting of Apple’s in-house M2 chip and the new R1 chip dedicated to processing data from the built-in sensors, cameras, and microphones. Additionally, the device supports eye, head, and hand tracking, allowing users to navigate the interface without any controllers.

In addition, the headset runs on VisionOS, Apple’s new operating system that promises to work seamlessly with most iPhone and iPad apps without requiring additional development efforts from app developers. At WWDC 2024 held earlier this month, Apple unveiled VisionOS 2 with new capabilities.