Apple's first mixed reality headset, scheduled to launch later this year, is rumored to cost around $3,000. However, a future version is expected to be more affordable, according to The Information and Bloomberg. Apple is already developing a "more affordable" AR/VR headset that could be priced comparable to the iPhone.
Current iPhone 14 models start at $799 (€999) and go up to $1,599 (€2,099) for the top-of-the-line model with 1 TB of storage. It's unclear what price range the cheaper headset will fall into. The headset will reportedly compete with Meta's $1,500 mixed reality headset. Apple plans to use cheaper components to lower the price. However, the cheaper headset will have the same general AR/VR "mixed reality" features as the headset scheduled 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)
