According to recent reports, Apple is actively working towards developing a more affordable version of its mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. Industry insiders speculate that a second-generation entry-level model could be expected to launch between 2025 and 2026, offering Apple fans a more budget-friendly option.

One of the primary factors contributing to the high cost of the current Apple Vision Pro, priced at $3,500, is its two 4K micro-OLED displays. A comprehensive analysis of the headset's "bill of materials" estimates that producing each unit costs the tech giant approximately $1,542, with the displays alone accounting for $456 of the total. In a bid to reduce this significant expense, Apple is reportedly exploring ways to slash the price tag on the displays by up to 50%.

To achieve this goal, Apple is considering expanding its display supply lineup to include companies such as SeeYa and BOE, in addition to its existing micro-LED supplier, Sony. As relying on a single supplier can limit production capacity, Apple aims to distribute the workload across multiple display manufacturers, potentially resulting in cost savings. However, discussions with SeeYa and BOE are still in progress, and Apple may continue to rely exclusively on Sony for the second-generation Vision Pro if quality control requirements are not met.

Furthermore, Apple is accelerating its research and development efforts for an entry-level XR product, targeting the reduction of micro-OLED display costs. By downgrading certain aspects of the Vision Pro, such as employing fewer cameras, lower resolution screens, and a chip equivalent to those found in iPhones rather than the high-performance M-series chips used in MacBooks, Apple aims to achieve a more affordable price point. It is speculated that the final device, likely to be named something like Apple Vision or Apple Vision One, will indicate its relation to the higher-end Vision Pro while offering a slightly reduced feature set.

With Apple's dedication to innovation and user experience, fans eagerly anticipate the release of an entry-level Apple Vision Pro that balances affordability and advanced technologies. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, industry experts anticipate that Apple's efforts to cut costs on key components, particularly the micro-OLED displays, will contribute to the development of a more accessible mixed reality headset in the near future.