Apple Faces Challenges in Sparking Interest for a More Affordable, Less Powerful Vision Pro

The hefty $3,500 price tag of the Apple Vision Pro has left it floundering somewhat in the market. Despite boasting some of the best visuals and hand-tracking features in the VR realm, the excitement surrounding it has faded quite rapidly since its launch. The steep cost is undoubtedly a significant factor. So, what steps need to be taken to bring that down and competitively position it against the Meta Quest 3? The answer might lie in trimming away all the elements that make the Vision Pro stand out.

Things aren’t easy for Apple’s designers back at their futuristic headquarters. They’re reportedly crafting a more affordable version of the Vision headset that’s expected to drop next year. Noted analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports this upcoming model might land in the $1,500 to $2,000 range. Gurman outlines several strategies Apple could employ to cut user-end expenses. One suggestion is scrapping the EyeSight exterior display that mirrors users’ eyes. Had Apple initially avoided this feature and reduced the price, it might have been a win-win situation from the start.

The cheaper version, currently codenamed N107, might come with a less powerful chip than the M2 in the Vision Pro, although that flagship model already pushes its CPU to the limit. Apple might also scale back the external passthrough features and narrow the field of view. However, these changes risk stripping away the Vision Pro’s distinguishing aspects compared to the $500 Quest 3.

There are more drastic ideas in the mix. Based on insider tips, Gurman notes that Apple has contemplated making the budget Vision model dependent on an iPhone or Mac. Gadgets like the $1,800 Spacetop G1 and XReal’s Beam Pro need such additional power from an external source, connecting via wires for AR glasses use. Still, those glasses are significantly lighter than a full-on headset. One notable criticism of the Vision Pro is its reliance on a wired, external battery pack. Adding more cables would seriously impede the functionality of the next Vision model.

We might see a new iteration of the Vision Pro in 2026, under the project name N109, as per Gurman. This update could focus on enhancing comfort and processing power in what is already one of the most visually appealing high-end headsets available, albeit at a price that few find affordable.

Apple isn’t ready to abandon its foray into augmented reality just yet. Even though analysts predict a reduction in 2025 Vision sales projections, Gurman suggests Apple is continuing to recruit for its VR team. The ultimate goal—and a long-standing ambition of CEO Tim Cook—is the development of true AR glasses, though those may still be several years away according to Apple’s employees.

While the Meta Quest 3 remains a more economical choice, Meta seems to be channeling more resources into items like the Meta Ray Bans, which have exceeded initial popularity expectations.

The recent visionOS improvements showcased at WWDC haven’t managed to rekindle excitement for Apple’s debut VR headset. The limitations—from issues with comfort to the steep pricing—make it a tough purchase for most consumers, especially since a laptop or smartphone often meets work and entertainment needs. Requiring the headset to be tethered to these external devices would only underline how supplementary it is compared to what you can easily carry in your backpack or pocket.