Apple’s Reportedly Working On a Cheaper Vision Pro That Could Require iPhone or Mac Tethering

Highlights

• Apple reportedly developing a lower-priced Vision Pro model.
• Cheaper Vision Pro may require tethering to iPhone or Mac.
• Possible removal of EyeSight display and reduced screen resolution.
• Incremental updates for the existing Vision Pro could continue.

There are major rumours circling the tech world around what Apple plans to do with its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset.

Let’s dive into what has been going on lately and what that may possibly hold for the future of this high-end technology.

In a new report from Bloomberg, Apple is said to be developing a lower-priced model of the Vision Pro.

That device, called N107, would primarily work as an accessory for Macs and iPhones rather than being a stand alone device of its own.

Apple seems likely to remove some features—like the EyeSight display—and decrease the resolution on internal screens to hit that cheaper price.

The firm is said to have eyed a plan where it would implement a less powerful chip or even remove parts that make the Vision Pro an independent product.

These could be the changes that might finally drive it into the mainstream market for all people.

Gurman also reiterates that Apple hopes to launch the cheaper Vision headset “as early as the end of 2025.”

This has been the plan “since before the Vision Pro was first unveiled last year,” he adds.

Still, Apple is “struggling to get the cost down while retaining critical features.”

The Future of Vision Pro: Incremental Updates?

The latest rumor says that Apple isn’t done with its high-end headgear after all.

Alternatively, the company may pursue the same approach to how it manages its Mac lineup and have periodic updates of the existing Vision Pro with incremental releases.

This might entail updating the processor in the current Vision Pro without excessively altering other areas of the device.

With chips like the M4, and maybe another coming into the scene with the M5, Apple would have both elongated the life of said product and made it more desirable compared to other newer, cheaper products.

Meta Quest 3: Stealing the Spotlight?

Though Apple’s Vision Pro has sure been buzzy, it was conspicuously missing at this year’s Augmented World Expo in Long Beach, California.

That role was topped by the Meta Quest 3 instead, which picked up the title for “Best Headworn Device” during the Auggie Awards.

The Meta Quest 3 rocks because of its affordability and superb specs—all with a large library of VR games native to the device.

Meta continuously works on improving its services and platforms, like Horizon Worlds, for instance, which further increases the headset’s appeal.

On the other hand, Meta appears to be strategically making thrusts to get ahead of XR while it’s still early.

They open-sourced Quest OS, will be allegedly using some of their 2D ad tech to drive events in games, and announced AI-powered AR smart glasses.

FAQs

What is the rumoured cheaper version of the Vision Pro?

Apple is reportedly working on a lower-priced Vision Pro model, potentially called N107, which would function as an accessory for Macs and iPhones.

How might Apple achieve a lower price for the Vision Pro?

To lower the price, Apple may remove features like the EyeSight display, decrease the resolution of internal screens, and use a less powerful chip.

Will the Vision Pro still function independently?

The cheaper Vision Pro is likely to require tethering to an iPhone or Mac, unlike the current standalone version.

What is Apple’s strategy for the existing Vision Pro?

Apple may continue to update the current Vision Pro with incremental improvements, similar to how it manages its Mac lineup.

Also Read: Unlocking the Future With Apple Vision Pro: Top Apps and Gaming Guide

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