no more affordable mixed reality headset before at least 2027?

According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the development of the economic model has been postponed beyond 2027news which risks disappointing many enthusiasts who expected to be able to discover this new technology at a more affordable price.

The original Vision Pro, marketed at $3,500, did not meet with the expected commercial success. Although technologically impressive, its high price and limited availability have confined it to a niche market. Apple reportedly plans to launch a successor equipped with the M5 chip next year, but the price is expected to remain similar.

The affordable Vision Pro is not coming soon

The affordable version, initially planned for around $2,000had to integrate an A series chip rather than Mand a screen with reduced pixel density. However, Kuo emphasizes that the main obstacle is not so much cost reduction as the lack of compelling use cases for the general public.

The analyst draws an interesting parallel with the HomePod range. Even the introduction of the more accessible HomePod mini did not democratize Apple’s connected speakers. A scenario that could repeat itself with the affordable Vision Pro.

Production of the first generation Vision Pro is expected to cease by the end of the year. Apple will focus its resources on the development of the second generation model, planned for late 2025 or early 2026. It will feature the M5 chip and should offer improved features.

Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that the current Vision Pro was not aimed at the general public, but rather at users who want to experience the technology of tomorrow. Apple is nonetheless trying to broaden the device’s appeal with visionOS 2, introducing features like Travel Mode and Virtual Mac Display.

For now, consumers interested in Apple’s mixed reality will either have to invest in the high-end model or be patient. The delay beyond 2027 suggests that it will be several more years before a more accessible version sees the light of day.