Apple's first mixed reality headset, due to launch later this year, is rumored to cost around $3,000, but a future version is expected to be more affordable, The Information and Bloomberg report. Apple is already developing a "more affordable" AR/VR headset that could be priced similarly to the iPhone.
Current iPhone 14 models start at $799 and go up to $1,599 for the top-of-the-line model with 1TB of storage. It's unclear what price range the cheaper headset will be in. The headset will reportedly compete with Meta's mixed reality headset, which costs $1,500. Apple plans to use cheaper components to bring the price down. But the cheaper headset will have the same general AR/VR "mixed reality" features as the headset, which is set to launch in 2023.
Affordable headset could be released in 2024
The chips in the device will be on par with the iPhone rather than the Mac used in the first AR/VR headset, and Apple may use lower resolution internal displays and cheaper materials. Currently, development of the cheaper headset is still in its early stages and Apple has not yet developed a working prototype. According to The Information Work on the device began last year with the aim of bringing the affordable headset to market in 2024. According to Bloomberg Apple could introduce a low-cost mixed reality headset in either 2024 or 2025. Apple offers both premium and cheaper versions in almost all product categories.
Apple's mixed reality headset could be introduced in spring
So it's not surprising that the company plans to offer a more consumer-friendly mixed reality headset alongside the high-end version (around $3,000) that's set to launch later this year. With the focus now on a more affordable AR/VR headset, Bloomberg reports that Apple is delaying the Apple Glasses augmented reality headset the company has been working on. The launch of the Apple Glasses has been delayed indefinitely and work on the device has been scaled back. Apple's first AR/VR headset could be announced as early as this spring. The $3,000 price tag is explained by the high-end components Apple is using, including two 4K displays from Sony, more than a dozen cameras, an external battery pack, and more. (Photo by ismagilov / Bigstockphoto)
