Cover Image for Apple is preparing to launch an accessible headset as an accessory for the iPhone, according to reports.
Mon Nov 04 2024

Apple is preparing to launch an accessible headset as an accessory for the iPhone, according to reports.

Apple is working on an accessible augmented reality headset, set to be launched soon as an accessory for the iPhone.

Apple is seriously considering the launch of a more affordable version of its mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, designed to work seamlessly with iPhones. According to a recent report, the company is exploring how to leverage the processing power of the iPhone to enhance the user experience.

Initially, Apple had planned to introduce a more budget-friendly version of the Vision Pro by 2025, which would feature a less powerful processor and fewer premium features. However, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that this timeline has been pushed back to 2027. This shift suggests that Apple is now prioritizing the development of a headset that functions as an accessory for iPhones, rather than rushing to release a more economical and standalone version of the Vision Pro.

Kuo noted in a post that the company believes simply lowering the price of the Vision Pro would not guarantee its success as a standalone device. Instead, it seems that Apple is leaning towards an accessory model that could offer a more practical and appealing solution for users.

The new headset is expected to differ significantly from the original Vision Pro. Instead of being a standalone device, this model would function more like a secondary display that pairs directly with an iPhone. By delegating processing tasks to the iPhone, the headset could maintain a lighter and more accessible design. This strategy not only promises a lower price but also reinforces the iPhone as the core of Apple's expanding ecosystem.

Additionally, Gurman mentioned that Apple plans to launch a second-generation Vision Pro headset next year, which will feature a new M5 processor. This demonstrates Apple's commitment to enhancing its premium mixed reality options while targeting a broader audience with the new accessory model. By presenting this headset as an iPhone accessory, Apple aims to highlight the role of this device as the center of its ecosystem, making it easier for existing iPhone users to venture into mixed reality technology without a considerable investment in a standalone headset.

Apple's exploration of a more affordable Vision accessory reflects its interest in making mixed reality more accessible and improving the integration of its devices. As the company navigates this evolving technological landscape, it continues to focus on creating products that enrich the overall user experience within its ecosystem.