Is Apple Vision Pro Worth the $3499 Price Tag? A More Affordable Option on the Way

During WWDC 2023, Apple surprised everyone by introducing its first-ever AR/VR headset, the Vision Pro, with the phrase “One more thing…”. While VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and HTC Vive Focus 3 have been available for some time, the Vision Pro has impressed people with its advanced features, including gesture controls, multiple cameras and sensors, and more. According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, the Vision Pro “seamlessly blends the digital world with the real world.” In addition to the headset’s unveiling, Apple also shocked people with its price announcement.

The Apple Vision Pro will cost $3,499 when it ships next year, comfortably atop the list of most expensive tech devices. However, Apple has a plan to get more Vision Pro customers by releasing a cheaper version.

Affordable Vision Pro

In his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that Apple is already working on a more affordable version of the Apple Vision Pro and plans to release it by the end of 2025. Vision Pro was presented with all its features at WWDC. 2023, it will be released next year, first in the US. That means we could see a more affordable version of the AR/VR headset just a year after the original release. Gurman also hinted at the expected names of more affordable mixed reality headsets, the most likely of which are Apple Vision or Apple Vision One.

Surprisingly, Apple is also working on a more powerful version of the Vision Pro, and it could have a newer and faster processor under the hood.

What more affordable Apple headphones could offer

Apple Vision Pro has cutting edge technology M2 chip and new R1 chip, 4K micro LED displays, a range of cameras and sensors and this hardware is what makes Vision Pro so expensive. According to Gurman, Apple’s more affordable mixed reality headsets could get lower-quality displays, a worse processor, and fewer sensors and cameras, all of which would help lower the price.

In addition, Apple could also remove surround sound from the headphones’ speakers and encourage users to use AirPods Pro with AR/VR headsets.