Many rumors indicate that Apple’s long-awaited mixed reality headset will finally be unveiled this year, with a price tag of around $3,000. However, the upcoming version may be a more affordable device, according to The Information and Bloomberg. Apple is already developing a “budget” AR/VR headset that could cost as much as an iPhone.
Current iPhone 14 models cost between $799 and $1,599. It is not yet clear which part of this range the future headset will approach. It will reportedly compete with the $1,500 Meta mixed reality headset.
To reduce the cost of the device, Apple engineers intend to use more affordable components. At the same time, a more affordable version will share functionality with a mixed reality headset that will be released in 2023. Such a device would use iPhone-level chips, not Mac-level chips. Also, Apple can use lower resolution internal displays.
At the moment, the development of a more affordable headset is in the early stages, and Apple has not yet created a working prototype. “Significant” work on the device began last year, with the goal then being to launch a cheap headset in 2024. According to Bloomberg, Apple could introduce a budget mixed reality headset in either 2024 or 2025.
Course
CFO
Become an experienced director-level finance specialist!
REGISTER!
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that Apple is delaying the launch of Apple Glasses now that the focus is on a more affordable AR/VR headset. Initially, they were planned to be brought to the market after the release of the mixed reality headset. Work on the device has been stopped for technical reasons.
As a reminder, Apple Glass has been in development for several years. Initial rumors claimed that such a device could hit the market in 2020. However, engineers needed much more time to develop. And in 2019, it became known that Apple’s augmented reality points should not be expected until at least 2023. And now their development is completely stopped.
Source: macrumors
