Apple Prepares Cheap Apple Vision Headset, Without EyeSight Features

Illustration of the use of Apple Vision Pro (photo; x @SempreUpdate)

JAKARTA According to a recent report from the Power On bulletin by Mark Gurman, Apple is still on track to launch a cheaper version of Apple Vision's headset next year. The headset is expected to be sold for around US$2000 (Rp31 million), much more affordable than Apple Vision Pro, which is priced at US$3499 (Rp55 million).

Apple Vision Pro was introduced earlier this year, but at a very premium price, Apple's spatial computing technology is difficult to reach by many consumers. Previous reports mentioned that Apple may have stopped the development of Vision Pro to focus more on cheaper versions of headsets, and it seems that this is still their priority.

Gurman's report states that this cheaper version of the headset is likely to use lower processors and cheaper materials. If Vision Pro is currently equipped with an M2 chip, this new headset is likely to use chips from series A, such as the A18 Pro whose performance is almost equivalent to that of the M1.

In terms of materials, Apple is expected to use more plastic than premium materials such as aluminum and glass found in Vision Pro.

EyeSight Features Removed

One of the main differences between this cheap headset and Vision Pro is the loss of the EyeSight feature. On Vision Pro, this feature uses a lenticular screen that displays the user's eyes to the outside, so that people around users can see their eyes even though they are wearing headsets. Although considered interesting, this feature is considered quite expensive because it requires additional screens on the outside of the headset. This feature will not exist in the cheap version of Apple Vision.

Apple expects this cheap version of the headset to sell double over Vision Pro, although Vision Pro's sales figures are not too high. In addition, Apple is also rumored to be developing Vision Pro 2 which is scheduled for release in 2026 with a faster processor and other improvements.

With the presence of a more affordable headset, Apple hopes to reach more consumers who are interested in spatial computing technology, but limited by high prices on previous products.