Apple is pushing back the launch of its budget-friendly Vision Pro headset to after 2027. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared this information in a recent post on X, highlighting that the delay indicates Apple's belief that merely lowering the price won't guarantee more successful applications of the device.
The anticipation for an affordable version of the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset has been building among tech enthusiasts. However, Kuo's insights suggest that this lower-cost model is not expected to arrive until at least 2027. Instead, Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce an upgraded Vision Pro model powered by the new M5 processor in 2025.
New Vision Pro Update, No Cheaper Model Yet In his post, Kuo explained that Apple's strategy for launching a budget Vision Pro has changed. He noted, “Apple has delayed its plans for a lower-cost Vision Pro to beyond 2027,” and mentioned that only the updated version with the M5 chip is on track for release next year.
Kuo compared the anticipated budget headset to the HomePod mini, which, while more affordable, did not significantly increase Apple’s presence in the smart speaker market. “Even after launching the cheaper HomePod mini, Apple’s smart speakers failed to become mainstream products,” he said. This suggests that Apple recognizes that simply reducing the price may not be sufficient to ensure success for the new headset, as they strive to create compelling use cases for the technology.
Future Prospects for an Affordable Vision Pro If Apple does eventually release a budget version, it is expected to be priced around $2,000 (approximately Rs.1,68,000). To achieve this lower price point, Apple might use less expensive materials, install a less powerful chip, and eliminate features such as EyeSight, which currently allows users' eyes to be displayed on the front of the headset. The quality of the internal displays may also be downgraded to make it more affordable.
The first-generation Apple Vision Pro, unveiled at WWDC 2023, has a starting price of $3,499 (around Rs.2,90,000) for the base model with 256GB of storage, with higher options available at 512GB and 1TB. This premium headset is powered by Apple's M2 processor and R1 chip, running on visionOS, and supports both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) features.
Apple’s Strategic Focus Kuo’s comments imply that Apple is focusing on enhancing its high-end Vision Pro line instead of hastily bringing a budget version to market. This strategy may be part of Apple's efforts to ensure strong user engagement and showcase practical uses of mixed reality technology before expanding its product range. The Vision Pro has already been launched in several markets, including the U.S., China, Europe, and Japan.
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