Apple Faces Challenges in Generating Interest for a More Affordable, Less Powerful Vision Pro

The Apple Vision Pro, with its $3,500 price tag, hasn’t quite hit its stride yet. Despite offering stunning visuals and top-notch hand tracking in the VR world, interest has waned rapidly a few months post-launch. That exorbitant cost is certainly a significant factor. So, what needs to be done to make it competitive with the more affordable Meta Quest 3? It seems Apple might need to strip away some of what makes the Vision Pro unique.

Apple’s team at their futuristic headquarters is grappling with this challenge, reportedly working on a less expensive version of the Vision headset for next year. As per Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, this upcoming device could range between $1,500 and $2,000. Gurman’s insights suggest a few strategies for cutting costs, like ditching the EyeSight exterior display that emulates users’ eyes. Had Apple chosen to forego this from the start, they might have struck a much-needed balance between innovation and affordability.

This budget-friendly version, currently codenamed N107, might incorporate a less powerful chip than the M2 in the Vision Pro, even though the current model already tests the limits of that chip. Additionally, Apple could simplify the passthrough capabilities and reduce the field of view. But at what point does simplifying the Vision Pro chip away too much of what sets it apart from more budget-friendly options like the $500 Quest 3?

The alternatives appear even less appealing. Gurman’s unnamed sources indicate Apple has even considered making this cheaper Vision reliant on an iPhone or Mac. Similar products like the $1,800 Spacetop G1 and XReal’s Beam Pro also draw extra power from external devices, but those options offer lightweight AR glasses rather than a hefty headset. Vision Pro already has a cumbersome wired battery, so adding more cables could severely hamper the usability of the new model.

Looking forward, Apple has another iteration of the Vision Pro pegged for release in 2026, codenamed N109. This future model mainly aims to enhance comfort and processing power, perhaps refining what’s already one of the most visually impressive high-end headsets available, despite its limited audience due to its steep price.

Apple is steadfast in its pursuit of augmented reality innovations, despite reducing expectations for Vision sales in 2025. Gurman notes ongoing recruitment within Apple’s VR department, underscoring the commitment. The ultimate goal, and Tim Cook’s initial vision, lies in developing genuine AR glasses, although insiders acknowledge that reality may be years away.

While the Meta Quest 3 offers a more accessible alternative, reports suggest Meta itself is now shifting focus toward products like the Meta Ray Bans, which are gaining unexpected traction.

Despite notable updates to visionOS showcased recently at Apple’s WWDC, these haven’t revitalized interest in their debut VR headset. There are too many drawbacks—like limited comfort and sky-high prices—making it a tough sell. After all, a laptop or phone often suffices for work and play. Yet pairing this headset with either of those everyday devices only highlights how unnecessary it feels compared to items that fit snugly into your backpack or pocket.