Apple Develops New Vision Pro Successors to Address Price and Comfort Issues
The original Apple Vision Pro introduced an innovative experience in the world of mixed reality, but it faced challenges that hindered its success. Consumers found the $3,499 price tag to be steep, and the headset's comfort level for prolonged use left much to be desired. In response, Apple is reportedly developing two successors aimed at correcting these shortcomings, as revealed by insider Mark Gurman in his newsletter, Power On.
While the Extended Reality (XR) industry remains nascent compared to other tech sectors, the demand for high-priced headsets has been limited. Potential customers have been deterred from making such expensive investments, especially for devices that lack dedicated controllers and compelling content. Early hands-on experiences indicated that users felt the Vision Pro became heavy and uncomfortable after just half an hour of use, leading many to describe it as an “over-engineered devkit.”
In addition to the first successor, Apple is also reviving plans for a second device. Previously, the company had cancelled a pair of AR glasses intended to function as an external display for Apple devices. New reports suggest that Apple is now pivoting towards a headset capable of similar functionality. This Vision Pro successor, designed for professionals, aims for a direct connection to a Mac or other devices, providing a mixed reality experience with minimal latency. This concept aligns closely with existing AR glasses from competitors like Xreal and the innovative Sightful’s Spacetop G1, which takes a laptop-centric approach.
With CEO Tim Cook's determination to lead the market against rivals like Meta, Apple is poised to unveil more user-friendly and accessible mixed reality products that may reshape consumer perceptions and expand this exciting technology's reach.
