While Apple’s much-anticipated augmented/virtual reality headset hasn’t even been announced yet, according to Nikkei Asia, manufacturing partner Foxconn is already developing a more affordable version of the second-generation headset.

The publication cites an unnamed “executive with knowledge of the development” who claims that Apple’s first headset will be “extremely expensive.” According to industry sources, the price of the device may vary from $3,000 to $5,000. The source believes that Apple’s second-generation headset will have a more affordable price tag, comparable to the cost of a “high-end Mac computer.”

Foxconn is said to be helping with the project for the next augmented reality headset, four sources told Nikkei Asia. The company will allegedly work on the parallel development of a cheaper second-generation augmented reality device. Foxconn will focus on automating mass production and improving productivity to help Apple lower overall costs, two people familiar with the matter said.

We will remind you that last month there were the first rumors that Apple intends to release a more affordable version of the AR/VR headset. To make the device cheaper, it was planned to use more affordable components, such as lower resolution displays and a less powerful processor.

Apple’s first “expensive” headset is expected to be announced at WWDC in June. It will allegedly receive multiple cameras, two displays with 4K resolution, improved eye and hand tracking functions. As a software shell, an interface in the spirit of iOS with a grid of applications will be used.

Source: macrumors