The first generation of the Apple Vision Pro is a technical statement, but far from suitable for mass use. Weight, price, and latency make the headset impractical for many. Now, new information has emerged: Apple is planning two revised versions – a more affordable version and an optionally wired model for professional applications.
If you're interested in the Vision Pro but worried about its high price or weight, you're not alone. Apple has apparently taken these criticisms seriously. According to a report by Mark Gurman, the company is working hard on a revised Vision Pro version that will not only be cheaper but also lighter. At the same time, another model is in development that connects directly to a Mac and is said to offer extremely low latency—for use in medicine or flight simulators, for example. Here are all the known details.
Apple wants to make the Vision Pro more accessible
The current Vision Pro weighs around 680 grams – about 1.5 pounds – and, according to some user reports, causes neck and headaches with prolonged use. Add to that a price tag of €4,000. In comparison, the Meta Quest 3 costs just a fraction of that. Apple knows that this is too high a barrier to entry for many. According to Gurman, Apple is actively working on a model that will address both of these issues: less weight and a significantly lower price. No specific technical details or release date have been announced yet, but the project is said to remain a high priority, so it's not a project that's been postponed or canceled at short notice.
This could make the new model lighter and cheaper
Exactly how Apple intends to reduce weight and cost remains unclear. However, it's likely that Apple will focus on cheaper materials and a simpler design. There could also be compromises in the built-in technology to keep the price down – similar to the approach taken with entry-level iPhone or iPad models. The goal is a product that appeals to more people and is also suitable for everyday use, not just for early adopters or businesses (via Bloomberg).
A second model with optional cable connection for extreme precision
According to the report, Apple is working on a second version of the Vision Pro in parallel with the cheaper model, which is specifically designed for professional applications. Unlike the current version, this headset will not only be wireless, but can be connected directly to a Mac. The advantage: extremely low latency. This is particularly interesting for applications where delays are a problem - such as during operations or in flight simulators. Here, every millisecond counts. While earlier prototypes experimented with transparent lenses, this new model, like the current version, will also work with a pass-through mode. Apple had originally planned to only slightly update the current Vision Pro - for example, by switching from the M2 to an M5 chip. According to Gurman, these plans have now been shelved. Instead, Apple is relying on fundamentally new hardware to specifically appeal to different target groups.
New Apple Vision Pro models: More choice, fewer compromises
Apple is apparently pursuing a dual strategy with the Vision Pro: a more affordable model for the masses and a professional headset for specialized applications with the highest demands on response time and accuracy. This is a direct response to the company's biggest criticisms of the first generation – price, weight, and latency. If you've been hesitant about buying a Vision Pro, it's worth keeping an eye on developments. The next generation is likely to be significantly more suitable for everyday use – and thus a step closer to Apple's long-term goal: lightweight, everyday AR glasses. (Image: Apple)
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