Title: Apple Plans to Release More Affordable Vision Pro Model, Cutting EyeSight Feature
In a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it has been revealed that Apple is already considering ways to improve its yet-to-be-released Apple Vision Pro headset. The focus for the follow-up model is to make it even more affordable, according to Apple’s plans.
With rumors already circulating about a potential cheaper Vision Pro model, this latest development adds credibility to those speculations. It appears that the first-generation Vision Pro is facing some initial challenges, particularly with its weight. In response, Apple is actively working on reducing the weight for the second-generation headset.
However, the truly intriguing revelation lies in Apple’s intention to eliminate the external display feature, known as EyeSight. This feature has received heavy criticism since the headset’s initial launch and may be removed from future Vision models to reduce costs. Adding an external screen to showcase the user’s eyes is deemed unnecessary and expensive, especially considering the additional OLED display technology and lenticular glass used to create an illusion of depth.
EyeSight’s utility seems limited, projecting the user’s eyes onto the exterior screen when utilizing the headset’s external cameras or displaying an opaque color in situations where the user is immersed in their surroundings. Essentially, the feature indicates if the user is able to see others or not, a function that could likely be achieved with a simple LED indicator.
Apple is reportedly targeting a price range of $1,500 to $2,000 for the more accessible Vision headset, which is significantly lower than the current $3,499 price tag. Considering the competition, such as the Meta Quest 3, which offers more affordable options, potential users may opt to skip the first-generation Vision Pro.
The anticipation for a cheaper model shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Apple’s naming conventions with products such as the iPhone 15 Pro and MacBook Pro suggest the possibility of a standard Apple Vision headset. It’s speculated that the lower-priced headset could even be called the Apple Vision Air.
Additionally, Apple is said to be developing a second high-end version of the headset, potentially named Vision Pro Max. This raises questions about the viability of purchasing the first-generation model at all. As Apple’s first venture into this new market, delays are anticipated, especially given the rumored chip manufacturing issues with TSMC. The Vision Pro features not only the anticipated M2 chip but also a new dedicated R1 chip for mixed-reality workloads.
Regardless, the prospect of a more affordable Apple headset is enticing. The memory of the crowd’s reaction at WWDC 2023 when the price was announced still lingers, and it’s safe to say that the EyeSight feature has not garnered significant interest or demand.
In conclusion, Apple’s plans to release an improved and more economical Vision Pro model while eliminating the EyeSight feature indicate the brand’s commitment to enhancing user experience and accessibility in the evolving market of virtual and augmented reality.
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