Apple's Affordable Vision Headset: What to Expect in 2026

Summary of Lower-Priced Apple Vision Headset Expectations for 2026

Timings and Reports

• Mixed Reports on Launch Date: Various reports suggest the non-Pro Apple Vision headset could launch in 2025, 2026, or 2027.
• Bloomberg's Initial Prediction: Mark Gurman initially reported a potential launch as early as 2025.
• Ming-Chi Kuo's View: Suggested the lower-cost model would be delayed to 2027 due to priority on an updated Vision Pro.
• Gurman's Latest Update: Now predicts the more affordable headset will likely launch in 2026, with no signs of an updated Vision Pro.

Features and Design

• Dropping EyeSight: The expensive EyeSight feature, which uses an additional display to show when a user is available, will likely be absent from the lower-cost model due to its high cost and limited perceived value.
• Lower-Resolution Displays: Apple will use OLEDoS technology but reduce the resolution to around 1,500 to 1,700 pixels per inch, significantly lowering costs while maintaining acceptable image quality.
• Plastic Construction: The lower-cost model will likely use more plastic instead of aluminum to reduce weight and production expenses.

Potential Features

• iPhone Tethering (Uncertain): Apple may consider requiring the headset to be tethered to an iPhone, but this remains a less certain prediction due to practical concerns.

Pricing

• Price Range: The smart money is on a price range of $1,500 to $2,000, aiming to make it more accessible to a broader audience compared to the current $3,400+ Vision Pro.

User Perspective

• Poll and Comments: A poll asks whether users would buy the lower-cost Apple Vision at an assumed price of $1,750, given the changes in features and design.