Apple’s venture into Spatial Computing with the launch of the Apple Vision Pro at WWDC 2023 has garnered mixed reactions. While praised for its design and potential in fields like healthcare, the $3,500 price tag has been a barrier to widespread adoption. As with many Apple products, attention has quickly turned to the next iteration, and rumors are circulating about the follow-up to the Apple Vision Pro.
Apple is known for not resting on its laurels, constantly iterating and developing new products. Early whispers suggested Apple was working on multiple headset designs even before the first Apple Vision Pro was released. By late 2022, reports indicated that at least two more headsets were in development, along with the rumored Apple Glass smart glasses.
The second generation of the Apple Vision Pro, codenamed “N602,” is expected to come in two variants: a premium upgrade of the original and a more affordable, consumer-grade model. This strategy aims to appeal to both high-end users and a broader market by offering a cost-effective option.
Reports from November 2023 hinted at a substantial price reduction for the consumer-grade version. The goal is to halve the production cost by significantly simplifying components. While the exact price remains uncertain, analysts predict it could fall between $1,500 and $2,500, making the headset more accessible to a wider audience.
To achieve this price reduction, Apple is expected to make significant changes to the headset’s components. High-cost elements like the camera and sensor array, dual Apple Silicon chips, and twin 4K microLED displays could see substantial downgrades. The number of external cameras might be reduced, and the dual chips could be replaced with a single A-series chip, similar to those found in iPhones. The displays might also shift to lower-resolution versions.
Further cost-saving measures could include a simpler headband design, utilizing AirPods for spatial audio, and eliminating features like the 3D camera and automatic interpupillary distance adjustments. Initially, the EyeSight external display was expected to remain, but by October, reports suggested this feature could also be cut.
The Apple Vision Pro’s ability to function independently, without needing to be tethered to another device for processing, is a key differentiator. However, this might change with the next version. To reduce costs and weight, the new headset could rely on a host device, such as an iPhone or Mac, for processing power. This would streamline the headset’s internal components and create a tiered product lineup. Premium models would remain standalone, while the more affordable versions would be tethered.
Speculation suggests that the next iteration of the Apple Vision Pro could be unveiled sooner than anticipated. A Bloomberg report from February 2024 hinted at an 18-month development cycle, suggesting a potential launch in late summer 2025. By June 2024, reports indicated Apple had reached out to manufacturers of smaller OLED-on-Silicon panels for a new mixed-reality headset. Sony, the current supplier for the Apple Vision Pro, could be joined by Apple’s usual display partners, LG and Samsung. These panels are expected to be slightly larger but with half the resolution of the current model, likely intended for the consumer-grade version. Meanwhile, development of the premium model has stalled, while work on the consumer-grade model continues.
One of the primary complaints about the Apple Vision Pro has been its weight. Early user feedback indicated that the headset was too heavy for some, causing neck strain during prolonged use. While much about the next Apple Vision Pro remains speculative, several trends are clear. Apple aims to create a more affordable version of its mixed-reality headset by streamlining high-cost components and shifting to a tethered operation. Despite these changes, the company is likely to address user feedback, particularly concerning the device’s weight.
As always, Apple’s next move in Spatial Computing promises to be innovative, though it may still come with a hefty price tag. However, with the anticipated adjustments, users can expect a more accessible and user-friendly device shortly.
