Apple expands Vision lineup with new smart glasses and cheaper headset

According to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, the company is working on several new products, including a more affordable version of the Apple Vision headset, a second-generation Vision Pro, and a set of Smart Glasses.

The Apple Vision Pro, introduced at last year’s WWDC and available to consumers since February 2024, initially garnered significant attention. However, enthusiasm has waned due to the headset's high price tag of $3,499, putting it out of reach for many potential buyers.

Despite slower-than-expected sales, Apple is not backing down. Gurman reports that a less expensive version of the Apple Vision headset could arrive as early as next year. While details on how Apple plans to reduce costs for this model are unclear, it remains to be seen if a lower price point will boost the headset’s popularity.

In addition to the new headset, Apple’s Vision team is exploring Smart Glasses that do not include displays, akin to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. While the company has put the idea of fully augmented reality glasses on hold due to technical challenges, the development of these simpler Smart Glasses continues.

Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, which allow users to take photos, videos, and interact with a voice assistant, start at $329 and have gained popularity for their lightweight design and practical features. It will be interesting to see how Apple’s version compares if and when it reaches the market.