Despite numerous rumors and stories circulating that Apple is developing an affordable mixed reality (MR) device priced around US$2,000, with a potential release as early as 2026, recent news suggests that this affordable MR device may be launched later than expected. In contrast, the high-end second-generation Vision Pro 2 could debut ahead of schedule in 2025.
According to media outlets such as Wccftech, Apple Insider, and 9to5Mac, the rumored affordable Vision device will limit certain features and utilize lower-cost and less powerful components to reduce manufacturing costs, keeping the price below US$2,000. To achieve this, it is expected to cut back on multiple sensors and lenses, adopt lower-resolution display panels, and use the more basic A-series processor chipsets instead of the M-series chipsets.
However, analysts at Tianfeng Securities pointed out that Apple's delay in launching the affordable MR device is primarily due to the lack of sufficient successful application cases so far. Simply lowering prices will not be enough to entice consumers. Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously admitted that the Vision Pro is not designed for the mass market but for niche consumer groups looking to experience cutting-edge technology.
Apple is currently focusing more on developing the Vision Pro 2, which is planned for launch in 2025, aiming to begin mass production in the latter half of 2025. The standout feature will be the introduction of the M5 series processor chipset to support spatial computing and Apple Intelligence functionalities, along with additional new features to enhance user experience.
Currently, Apple has integrated features like "Travel Mode" and "Mac Virtual Display" into visionOS 2, hoping to improve product usability.
Additionally, there are rumors that Apple is working on a glasses-like device that can pair with the iPhone, offloading most computational tasks to the iPhone. This could resemble Ray-Ban Meta's smart glasses or even augmented reality (AR) glasses.
Apple has declined to comment on the aforementioned reports.
