Key Points
- Affordable Vision Pro delayed until after 2027, signaling a major shift.
- Sales for the $3500 Vision Pro remain underwhelming, raising doubts.
- App development for visionOS significantly declines since launch.
- Apple plans a Vision Pro upgrade with an M5 chip in 2025, but no cheaper model.
Apple’s Vision Pro has had a rocky path since its February 2024 release. Billed as a revolutionary mixed-reality headset with a price tag of $3500, the Vision Pro was expected to make waves in the tech world.
However, the reality has been far from the vision. CEO Tim Cook has described the product as being geared toward “early adopters,” those tech-savvy individuals who are eager to embrace tomorrow’s technology today.
Unfortunately, even within this niche market, the reception has been lukewarm at best. High costs and the lack of compelling everyday use cases have kept the Vision Pro from gaining mass appeal.
Adding to these woes, Apple faces a significant challenge in maintaining developer interest. According to data from Appfigures, the visionOS App Store saw only ten new app releases in September 2024. This is a dramatic drop from the hundreds of apps launched in the first few months after the headset’s debut.
The decline in app development could spell trouble for the Vision Pro, as a robust and thriving app ecosystem is essential for any new tech platform to succeed. Without exciting and engaging content, the headset’s appeal remains limited.
Apple has reportedly delayed a cheaper Vision Pro beyond 2027
Apple still plans to launch an Apple Vision Pro 2 in 2025 with an M5 chip
Source: @mingchikuo pic.twitter.com/3PamBeKi9g
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) November 3, 2024
M5 Chip Upgrade: A Boost or Just a Band-Aid?
While the Vision Pro has struggled to meet expectations, Apple is not giving up on its mixed-reality ambitions. The company plans to release an upgraded version of the Vision Pro in 2025, featuring the next-generation Apple M5 chip. This update is expected to improve performance, making the device faster and more efficient.
However, critics wonder if a hardware upgrade alone will be enough to revive interest. Even the most powerful chip won’t make a difference if the headset lacks must-have applications that transform how people work, play, or connect with the world.
The M5 chip upgrade is part of Apple’s strategy to keep the Vision Pro relevant while it works on building a more compelling use case for mixed reality. Yet, the absence of a more affordable version of the Vision Pro remains a significant concern.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a renowned Apple analyst, revealed that any plans for a budget-friendly Vision Pro have been delayed until after 2027. This delay suggests that Apple is taking a cautious approach, perhaps waiting for the technology to mature or for consumer demand to increase.
Apple’s Strategic Shift: A Bet on Premium Products
The decision to delay the more affordable Vision Pro reflects Apple’s confidence in its premium product strategy. Instead of racing to release a cheaper version, Apple appears to be doubling down on high-end, top-tier technology.
This could mean the company believes the mixed-reality market isn’t ready for a mainstream, budget-friendly device. The focus, for now, is on perfecting the Vision Pro and ensuring it stands out as a premium product in an emerging market.
However, this strategy isn’t without risks. The high cost of the Vision Pro makes it inaccessible to most consumers, limiting its market reach. While Apple’s brand and reputation for quality may justify the price to some extent, mixed reality remains a hard sell.
People are still trying to understand how these devices fit into their daily lives. Apple’s challenge is to prove that the Vision Pro isn’t just a cool gadget but a practical tool that can genuinely add value.
Exploring New Directions: An iPhone-Connected Future?
Interestingly, Apple is also reportedly exploring new directions for mixed-reality products. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the tech giant is developing a headset that would offload its processing power to an iPhone. This potential device would be simpler and more affordable, making it a more accessible entry point for consumers interested in mixed reality.
Similar products already exist in the Android space, like Xreal’s glasses, but they have failed to make a significant impact due to issues like subpar user experience and limited functionality.
If Apple can perfect this concept, it could provide a much-needed alternative to the expensive Vision Pro. An iPhone-connected headset would likely appeal to a broader audience, especially if it leverages the seamless integration between Apple’s hardware and software.
However, this approach still comes with challenges. The device would need to offer a compelling experience that justifies its existence, and convincing consumers to add another piece of hardware to their tech arsenal isn’t easy.
Future of Mixed Reality: Can Vision Pro Lead the Way?
The mixed-reality market is still evolving, and Apple’s Vision Pro is just one player in this space. For Apple, the success of Vision Pro will depend heavily on how well it can develop and promote use cases that resonate with everyday people.
Spatial computing has the potential to revolutionize industries like education, healthcare, and entertainment, but these possibilities need to be realized in practical, engaging ways.
While Apple’s commitment to refining the Vision Pro with an M5 chip and exploring new product concepts shows determination, the company has to overcome significant hurdles. Developers need more incentives to create content for visionOS, and consumers need clearer reasons to invest in such expensive technology.
The delay of the cheaper Vision Pro suggests that Apple is taking a long-term approach, but it also raises questions about whether the company can maintain interest in the platform until it’s ready for the mainstream.
