Malcolm Owen
Apple's follow-up to the Apple Vision Pro may not be a high-end model, with work allegedly halted on the premium replacement in favor of a cheaper alternative.
Half a year after the release of the Apple Vision Pro, Apple is considering what its follow-up release could be. The next one may not be a full successor to the Apple Vision Pro, but it could end up being a more consumer-focused version.
According to a report from The Information, Apple has told at least one supplier that work on the next high-end version of the Vision Pro has stalled. This is allegedly in response to slowing sales of the premium headset.
As usual for Apple, it is anticipated that it has been working on multiple headsets. The report source says that work is still ongoing on the cheaper consumer-grade version of the Vision headset.
With fewer features and lower specifications, the source believes that it could ship before the end of 2025.
N109
The lower-priced Vision headset has an internal codename of N109, with a potential price hovering around $1,600 if it is eventually released.
To cut costs, Apple will be seeking to replace components with cheaper versions. For example, the internal displays could use a lower resolution, and fewer cameras could be used on the outside as sensors.
The chip may change to slower processors. The automatic initial focus setup may also disappear in favor of a manual version, as Apple tries to reduce the weight by up to a third.
Tuesday's report source said that Apple still wasn't equipped with a firm prototype for N109. While it could ship by 2025, it's thought that the product could ship later, possibly into 2026.
Part of this is due to supply chain issues, the report continued. In one case, display maker Seeya Technology apparently struggled to meet Apple's standards for production, prompting changes in a key component for the headset.
Wesley Hilliard
Christine McKee
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
29 Comments
Sounds great. A more affordable version seems like a win win. Just like iPhone have a high end and a low end.
I just don't get it. OK Apple has the first time used the AI moniker wow big deal.
Who was the first to equip all it's (major compute) hardware with AI support in Hardware!? Apple.
Who has been continouusly implemented features once they are ready for prime time, privacy and are actually useful? Apple.
Who has for years an in house team for AI? Apple (yes okay and others).
Who is surprised!? Those braindead MBAs that just don't get that ML is an AI technique.
But hey as a stock holder I'm good.
I find it hard to believe that Apple thought that this first version would sell like gangbusters. They MUST have people connected to the real world who realize a $3,500 toy is off limits to the majority of the population. So I take it they went the Mercedes route - knowing they would sell less (Than Ford), but still have a good idea of how many would sell. Now the bigger question is - does anyone care about goggle based VR? And having tried them out for many years, I suspect it's a really tough sell to the vast majority of people. And the device rather quickly becomes an afterthought. But hey, I'm open to being wrong here. I don't know. But my guess is Apple MUST have had a pretty solid idea on sales and that the 'shifting' to a cheaper set isn't a sudden thing, but part of the plan.
Personally I would like to see a product like this modified to assist people who are blind. Get rid of all the displays but keep all the cameras and other sensors that can be used to ascertain the person’s surroundings and find a way to give that person audible feedback.
So I have a VisionPro and I don't really see a less expensive and less capable VR headset as a want. It will still have the same problems of weight, comfort, isolation, etc.
I would really like a set AR glasses.