Here’s how Apple may make the next Vision headset more affordable

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch a more budget-friendly version of its Vision headset, according to a new report from analyst firm TrendForce. The report suggests that Apple is considering using glass-based OLED displays and LTPO backplane technology in the new headset, moving away from the high-end micro-OLED panels used in the Vision Pro.

The shift away from Sony, which supplied the micro-OLED screens for the Vision Pro, is driven by the high cost and inefficiency of micro-OLED production. The new options being explored by Apple are expected to help bring costs down and make the headset more accessible to a wider audience.

While the Vision Pro 2 is expected to continue using micro-OLED with even higher resolution, Apple is exploring alternative display technologies to reduce costs. The goal is to offer a more affordable version of the Vision Pro without compromising on quality.

Rumors suggest that both the lower-priced Apple Vision and the next-gen Vision Pro 2 could launch in 2025. The base Vision model may be priced under $2,000, with reports indicating that Apple could also reduce the price of the original Vision Pro to make it more competitive in the market.

However, Apple will face tough competition from other players in the industry, such as the Quest 3 and Quest 3S from Meta, which offer more affordable options in the sub-$1,000 category. The challenge for Apple will be to convince consumers that its base model offers significant value compared to the competition.

As the mixed-reality headset market heats up, with companies like Samsung, Sony, Microsoft, Meta, and Google all expanding their offerings, Apple will need to make a strong case for its Vision headset to stand out in a crowded field.