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Apple’s premium Vision Pro headset sales have stagnated so bringing the affordable version is critical for its success.
The affordable Vision Pro launch plans continue to be a puzzle
Apple has been expected to launch a more affordable version of its Vision Pro mixed reality headset sometime next year. However, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo now suggests that the tech giant has postponed the release of this budget-friendly model until after 2027. In fact, it was mentioned that Apple is planning an upgrade for the Vision Pro next year, equipping it with a new M5 microprocessor.
The future low-cost headset, when it does arrive, is likely to feature a less powerful chip, lower-resolution displays, and will omit the EyeSight feature, which currently allows the Vision Pro to display the wearer’s eyes on its front screen.
Kuo made this assertion in an X (previously Twitter) post earlier this week. A new version of the Vision Pro with an updated M5 processor would be Apple’s lone headset due for release in 2025, according to the expert.
“Even after launching the cheaper HomePod mini, Apple’s smart speakers failed to become mainstream products,” Kuo said, drawing a comparison between the affordable Apple Vision Pro and the HomePod mini. The analyst claims that the reason Apple postponed releasing a less expensive version of the Vision Pro was because doing so wouldn’t help create a successful use cases for the product.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that the less expensive head-mounted wearable will cost around $2,000 (Rs 1,68,000 approx) and will be made with subpar components and chip. The highly promoted EyeSight feature from the original Apple Vision Pro could also be omitted from the headset. As a cost-cutting measure, Apple may also lower the quality of the internal XR screens in the predicted model.
The pricing of the original Apple Vision Pro, with 256GB of storage, starts at $3,499, or around Rs 2,90,000. Additionally, the device is offered with storage capacities of 512GB and 1TB.
At WWDC 2023, Apple debuted Vision Pro, its first mixed-reality headset. It is presently available for purchase in a few countries, such as the US, China, Europe, and Japan. The headset is powered by the visionOS operating system and supports both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. Apple’s M2 processor and an R1 chip beneath the hood power it.
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