Apple is already researching a cheaper version of MR, but it won't be available until 2025.

After the release of the Vision Pro, which is priced at $3,499, Apple's "downgraded" version of MR headset may already be on the way.

On Sunday, Bloomberg's chief correspondent Mark Gurman reported that Apple is researching a cheaper MR headset, which may be called "Vision" or "Vision One" in response to Vision Pro, and may be launched as early as the end of 2025 or in 2026.

After the release of Vison Pro last week, the device's price of up to $3,499 caused a stir in the market. Analysts believe that another industry leader, Meta, has launched products that are more cost-effective in the AR field: Meta Quest 2 is priced at $299, and the subsequent Meta Quest 3 is priced at only $499.

However, Gurman pointed out that the $3,499 price of Apple's Vision Pro has already reached or is close to the manufacturing cost, so if a cheaper device is to be launched, it must be "downgraded" in all aspects.

For example, for the three most expensive components of Vision Pro - camera and sensor array, dual Apple chips, and dual 4k micro OLED virtual reality displays - Apple may switch to fewer cameras, Apple-grade chips or older Mac chips, and lower-quality screens.

On the other hand, the "downgraded version" may also adopt a simpler headband design, cancel the speaker and use Airpods to play audio instead, cancel automatic IPD adjustment and switch to physical adjustment, and delete 3D camera and other functions...

Taking all of the above into account, along with more sophisticated production processes, economies of scale, and cheaper frameworks, Gurman believes that Apple can reduce the price of the headset by "several hundred dollars."

In addition, Gurman said that Apple's second-generation Vision Pro is already in development and is equipped with a faster processor, indicating that Apple intends to adopt a dual-product strategy consistent with the Apple series for the MR headset category.

Is it true?

For Apple, achieving a more affordable version is a challenge.

Forbes commentator David Phelan pointed out that it is not uncommon for Apple to plan a roadmap for its latest products for many years to come, but usually, this should be an "upward" path: that is, first launch the lowest-priced version, and then launch a higher-priced "Pro" version. Therefore, the possibility of launching a cheaper "reduced version" after Apple has already launched the Vision Pro version remains uncertain.

In addition, regarding Gurman's series of speculations about the "reduced version", Phelan believes that it is possible to cancel the headband speaker, but Apple will not turn to "lower quality screens":

The display screen is a major reason why Vision Pro is irresistible, and I don't think Apple will compromise on this.

Removing the 3D camera is also unlikely, as it is a "natural byproduct" of the dual camera design.

Therefore, Phelan agrees with Gurman's statement that "the $3,499 price has reached or is close to the manufacturing cost", and reducing the configuration will face great challenges.

However, Phelan believes that if Apple wants to make a cheaper and more easily accessible headset, it will focus on economies of scale rather than reducing the quality of components.

In addition, even if the price of the simplified version of the headset can be "reduced by several hundred dollars" as Gurman said, it is still a high price, which is still far from the lowest-priced Apple SE:

Compared with Apple Pro models, Apple SE is almost an affordable choice.

Of course, Phelan admits that whether the speculation of the simplified version is correct or not, one thing is clear, that Apple has placed a heavy bet on Vision Pro and its subsequent products.