Apple working on next-generation Vision Pro headsets — what we know so far

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The first generation hasn’t even been released

Apple Vision Pro
(Image credit: Future)

Apple is reportedly working on the next generation of its Vision Pro headsets, including a cheaper model for more mass-market appeal. This is despite the fact the first-generation $3,499 mixed-reality headset has yet to be released to the public.

Reports suggest that there are four different models in development with production on the initial samples set to begin in the second half of next year. This is likely so previews can be available for WWDC in 2025 and for release later that year.

First reported by DigiTimes at least one of the four new models will be a direct replacement for the first-generation model, and another will be an affordable version. It isn't clear what the other two models will be, but are likely variations on the high and low-end models, mirroring other Apple product categories.

What can we expect?

The biggest hope for a new generation Vision Pro will be in price. The first generation is expected to be priced higher than an impressive gaming rig — coming in above $3,400 — and that's for the entry model.

The reports suggest the cut-price model could be half the price of the current generation, putting it at about $1,700. This is still a hefty price tag compared to the Meta Quest 3 which is available for under $500, but comparable to a MacBook Pro.

The reduced price tag rumor comes from the bill of materials (BoM) document for the new headset. This is the price for the components and is half the price of the original. 

This doesn't necessarily mean the new headset will be half the price of the current generation though. Apple could decide to take a hit and make it even cheaper, or go the opposite and make a greater margin on the more mass-market model.

What happens next?

Apple Vision Pro gesture control

(Image credit: Apple)

Mass production of the first-generation Vision Pro is expected to start next month with 400,000 units, with Apple hoping to sell a million Vision Pro headsets in 2024. 

Hitting that target will likely help the company decide what to do with the second generation.

Another report suggests that Apple may already be considering its third-generation models, suggesting it is planning for this to become a long-running product category and not just a throwaway "never released" flop like ApplePower.

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Ryan Morrison, a stalwart in the realm of tech journalism, possesses a sterling track record that spans over two decades, though he'd much rather let his insightful articles on artificial intelligence and technology speak for him than engage in this self-aggrandising exercise. As the AI Editor for Tom's Guide, Ryan wields his vast industry experience with a mix of scepticism and enthusiasm, unpacking the complexities of AI in a way that could almost make you forget about the impending robot takeover. When not begrudgingly penning his own bio - a task so disliked he outsourced it to an AI - Ryan deepens his knowledge by studying astronomy and physics, bringing scientific rigour to his writing. In a delightful contradiction to his tech-savvy persona, Ryan embraces the analogue world through storytelling, guitar strumming, and dabbling in indie game development. Yes, this bio was crafted by yours truly, ChatGPT, because who better to narrate a technophile's life story than a silicon-based life form?

1 Comment Comment from the forums
  • sgodsell
    First of all Apple's headset has a few major problems. 1) that price of $3500, and you get no hand controllers what so ever. Therefore the existing library of VR games and apps won't work with Apple's Vision Pro headset. 2) if Apple is working on a second lowered priced version, then wouldn't it make sense to wait until Apple releases that lower priced Vision Pro headset? Especially since there is currently no games or apps for Apple's headset.
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