Apple's first VR headset might be pricey, but its next one could be much cheaper

Date:
Wed, 17 May 2023 10:45:03 +0000

Description:
Apple's first VR headset is set to cost an arm and a leg, but rumors suggest
a cheaper follow-up could arrive in 2025.

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If youve been put off the upcoming Apple VR headset by the leaks and rumors suggesting itll be astronomically expensive, dont fret, as it sounds like Apple could be launching a cheaper follow-up device.

Its all but certain that Apple will finally unveil its long-rumored VR
headset at WWDC 2023 , but while reports suggest itll be a force to be reckoned with in the VR space itll come with one major catch: its set to be priced at around $3,000 (roughly 2,200 / AU$4,400). That's significantly more expensive than the current best VR headsets aimed at consumers, and many have already been put off by the rumored price.

However, it sounds like Apples future VR efforts may not all be as ridiculously expensive, with Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo explaining in a blog post that both low-end and high-end follow-ups to this years headset will go into mass production in 2025.

Kuo hasnt provided a price estimate; however, he says shipments of the 2025 models are expected to be 10 times higher than of the 2023 device, suggesting that the low-end model will be a cheaper device with more mass-market appeal. Don't expect it to be as cheap as an Oculus Quest 2 though (Image credit: Shutterstock / Boumen Japet)

We already know why the first-generation Apple headset is likely to be so pricey its chock-full of high-end components. The Meta Quest Pro which
costs $999.99 / 999.99 / AU$1,729.99 boasts LCD displays, a single
processor, and five in-built cameras; meanwhile, Apples VR headset is
expected to use OLED panels, two processors (one of which is likely the M2 found in some of its best MacBooks and Macs ), and 12 cameras.

Whats more, Apple is trying to cram all of this into an ultra-slim package a feat that has reportedly seen it develop a wearable battery pack so that it can make major space and weight savings.

Right now its unclear how Apples budget-friendly VR headset would differ from the premium version most likely itll lack some of the high-end specs, but well have to wait until 2025 to know for sure what it is (and isnt) capable of.

The wait for the first-gen Apple VR headset is expected to be a lot shorter, however, with a WWDC 2023 announcement looking very likely, and a launch tipped for later in the year. And even though it's set to be pricey, some are still excited for it including the founder of Oculus, who says Apple's VR headset could be fantastic .



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/apples-first-vr-headset-might-be-pricey-but-its -next-one-could-be-much-cheaper


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