Apple Vision Pro - Expensive and revolutionary at the same time.

Following the unveiling of Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset, the company is already working on a more affordable model to make the new product category accessible to a wider audience. Here are the details on how this could be achieved. There are also first impressions of Apple's new operating systems, information on why Tim Cook will not be wearing the Vision Pro in public, and an introduction to Apple's future retail stores.

The high price of 3,500 dollars for the Apple Vision Pro has been criticized by consumers and online commentators. Despite powerful technology and compelling features, the product will not be able to realize its full potential if it is seven times more expensive than comparable competing products.

Apple's argument that the Vision Pro offers a unique experience compared to a state-of-the-art TV, surround sound system, powerful computer and other devices was seen as unconvincing. Critics point out that the comparison with shared devices such as televisions is not accurate, as the Vision Pro is designed for individual use.

It's no secret that the high price has caused a stir, and Apple chose not to announce it until months after WWDC to avoid negative headlines. Nevertheless, the question remains whether the company can achieve its investment target of over 15 billion dollars in product development at this price level.

It seems that Apple was already prepared for the criticism, as it is reportedly working on a cheaper version of the headset. The name "Vision Pro" suggests that a non-Pro version is in development, possibly to be called Apple Vision or Apple Vision One.

The challenge for Apple is to reduce costs without significantly compromising quality. The most expensive components of the Vision Pro are the camera and sensor array, the Apple silicon chips and the two 4K micro OLED displays for virtual reality. A cheaper version could use lower quality screens, older chips and fewer cameras.

Apple is also expected to make savings in other areas, such as the headband design, the use of AirPods for spatial audio and the elimination of automatic IPD adjustment. However, features such as the external screen (EyeSight) and the eye and hand tracking system could be retained.

The release of the more affordable model is planned for the end of 2025, around two years after the original Vision Pro. At the same time, Apple is already working on a second generation of the Vision Pro with a faster processor. This suggests that Apple is pursuing a two-product strategy for the device, similar to the standard iPhone and iPhone Pro models.

In the meantime, Apple is hoping that the high price of the Vision Pro will not dampen demand and that enough customers will be willing to opt for the more affordable version by 2026.