Prime Highlights:

• Apple reportedly is developing a lighter and less expensive version of its Vision Pro headset.
• Apple also is working on AR glasses-style glasses, with a release scheduled for later in 2025.

Key Facts:

• Apple released the original Vision Pro headset in 2024 at a starting price of $3,500.
• Apple is looking to cut weight and expense to make the new Vision Pro more affordable.
• The AR glasses-style model will be a smaller, more everyday-use model, possibly launching in 2025.

Key Background:

Apple’s Vision Pro headset, launched in 2024, was a $3,500 mixed-reality high-end device entering the market. Because of its price and technical complexity, early adoption was limited. Although it received acclaim for its innovative features—such as super-high-resolution displays and immersive use—the expense prevented it from a wide marketplace audience.

As a reaction to the split reception and so as to offer its augmented reality (AR) technology more mainstream, Apple has set its sights on creating two new versions of the Vision Pro. The first is a lighter, cheaper version of the original headset. This model should have the same major mixed-reality capabilities but will use less expensive materials and have a less efficient but still potent processor to cut costs. The result should be a model that is no more than one-third lighter than the original, costing between $1,500 and $2,500, and more affordable for a mass consumer base.

The other new product under development is an AR glasses-type device. Compared to the Vision Pro, a fully immersive headset, this model of AR glasses will be lighter and less obtrusive. As with regular glasses, it will be designed to seamlessly become a part of one’s life along with delivering key augmented reality functions like navigation, notification, and contextual info. This is the long-term vision for Apple for augmented reality, since it will be worn during the whole day.

Apple’s decision to produce both a cheaper version of the Vision Pro as well as a whole new model of AR glasses shows the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the market for AR. The devices will be attractive to more consumers, from those searching for premium mixed-reality products to those wanting lightweight, casual augmented reality products. The AR glasses should be available on the shelves as early as late 2025.