Apple presented its first space computer, Vision Pro, at his WWDC event. It is a viewer that mixes digital content with the physical world, allowing users to interact with apps in a three-dimensional way using your eyes, hands and voice. Vision Pro has an ultra-high-resolution display and top-of-the-line technology – but it costs $3,499. To reach other users, Apple is working on a less expensive headset. Forgoing the more impressive technical specifications of Vision Pro.
Apple, less expensive viewer coming soon (with M1 chip)
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is also working on one cheaper version of Vision Pro, which could have a different name like Apple Vision o Apple Vision One. This variant would have some compromises to lower costs, but it is not yet known which features would be sacrificed. Maybe it could have a lower resolution, shorter battery life, or fewer compatible apps. There is currently no scheduled launch date for this low-cost version of Vision Pro.
But it seems almost certain, according to Gurman, that Apple’s cheap viewer will have a less performing processor. In fact, it may have an M1 chip. However, if Apple launches the product together with the second generation Vision Pro with an M3 chip, the budget version may have an M2 chip. The current headset has an M2 chip and an R1 chip.
Gurman also thinks the affordable Vision Pro will have lower resolution displays. Apple may use HD resolution and enhance pixels for higher quality. One of the most expensive components of the Vision Pro is the dual microLED display with 4K resolution.
In addition, the company could put fewer sensors, to lower costs. For example, the company could use regular cameras instead of 3D cameras and not put Spatial Audio speakers. All of this, coupled with a better manufacturing process and economies of scale, could reduce the company “a few hundred dollars off the price.”
Other than that, the company will give the same experience VisionOS on both modelsi: the premium one and the economic one. To bring more users into this ecosystem.