Despite being a futuristic wearable capable of an augmented reality experience, the Vision Pro headset did not sell well. The company knows that a lower number of sales has everything to do with a hefty price tag. It was recently reported that Apple is working on a cheaper version of the Vision-branded headset, and it was speculated that it will launch next year. It appears that the company is a bit in a hurry to release its Vision Air headset with a comparatively affordable price tag to boost sales.
Apple is now focusing on Vision Air to regain momentum after the Vision Pro’s slow sales
A cheaper version of the Vision headset was always part of the company’s plans. Initially, the company wanted to show off the augmented reality experience that it achieved through advanced engineering. Moreover, it also wanted developers to come on board and design apps that would take full advantage of the Vision Pro’s sensors, cameras, and overall mixed reality technology. Previously, it was a bit unclear when the company would actually release the Vision Air headset, but the timeframe is now shaping up.
According to Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, Apple will launch the Vision Air headset by the end of this year, potentially alongside the new M5 MacBook Pro models. The analyst also states that if the wearable is not released by the end of this year, it will see daylight in the first half of 2026.
I reported earlier this month that Apple is full steam ahead on two new successors to the Vision Pro: a lighter version at a cheaper price point and a Mac-tethered model aimed at applications that need maximum responsiveness. All signs point to the lighter model arriving between the end of this year and the first half of 2026. Despite the first version selling poorly, the company isn’t abandoning ship here. The main uncertainty is whether the lighter version will be considered a replacement for the Vision Pro or a cheaper alternative.
Apple is inclined towards launching a cheaper version of the Vision Pro as early as possible, as the ‘Pro’ version did not do quite well in terms of sales. The company does not want an entire product to sit idle without making a dent in the industry, which is why the headset’s development is in full flow at this stage.
Gurman is unclear whether the company will launch the Vision Air to replace Vision Pro or if it will be an alternative option for the masses. It is remarkable to see how the company switched its approach to making a cheaper version of the Vision Pro headset so soon, as the wearable is the only one in the lineup at this stage. We are not sure how Apple would adjust the pricing, but if it is competitive and in line with Meta’s offering, the Vision Air will sell like hotcakes.
However, we suspect that the company will charge above the $1,500 mark. However, these are only speculations at this stage based on the company’s pricing strategy for other products and the rising cost of production amid tariff concerns imposed by the Trump administration.