Vision Pro: New model not until 2026 – or sooner?
Apple's second model of its pricey mixed reality headset will take time to launch; a cheaper version may come first, reports say.
Man with Vision Pro.
(Bild: Apple)
Apple's Vision Pro is currently suffering from a number of problems before it can become a mass market product for Apple. In addition to the fact that the hardware is still quite heavy and requires an external battery, the main problem is the price: Apple would like to charge 3,500 US dollars plus tax for its headset with two high-resolution 4K micro OLED screens, finger control and eye tracking. The market is therefore eager to find out when the company will present a second generation of the glasses, which will offer improved hardware and a more affordable price. However, if a report by the financial news agency Bloomberg from the weekend is correct, this could still take quite a while. Apple's roadmap currently states that the "Vision Pro 2" will not be released before 2026. But that is only half the truth.
Will the Vision Pro remain unchanged for two years?
It is also conceivable that Apple will continue to sell the Vision Pro as it currently is until 2026, but will launch a cheaper version meanwhile. In the rumor mill, this is currently going by the name "Vision" (without the "Pro") and is said to be significantly less sophisticated in terms of hardware. The problem: Apple is currently still trying to find a way to make the components cheaper – it's "like hell".
Apple's latest Vision Pro roadmap currently doesn't foresee a second-generation model until the end of the year after next, although the company is trying to find a way to bring a cheaper version to market by then, according to Bloomberg. This in turn could help competitors to upgrade. Meta, for example, has just announced that it will open up the operating system of its Quest models to other companies – a kind of Android approach. The current Meta Quest 3 is sold for 550 euros including tax, which is already significantly cheaper than the Vision Pro. More devices from competing providers based on the Meta platform will give Apple even more competition.
visionOS 2.0 on its way - and the European launch
However, a lot is likely to happen with the Vision Pro even before 2026. For example, visionOS 2.0 is due to be presented at the WWDC 2024 developer conference in June, which will add further functions. However, the new operating system is not a game changer, according to Bloomberg. More important is the expansion of availability to new regions. Apple has high hopes for the Chinese and European markets. The company could publish details on this as early as next Tuesday when a keynote is planned.
In terms of Vision Pro sales, however, there appear to be difficulties in the US home market - the only country in which the headset is currently available. Apple has reportedly scaled back its sales plans for the time being because demand is declining. The company is to purchase almost all 4K micro OLED screens on the market.
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