Apple reportedly ’accelerating’ entry-level Vision Pro — and it could cost $2,000 less

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Apple could cut display costs by as much as 50 percent

Apple Vision Pro on table
(Image credit: Future)

We likely still have long to wait for an entry-level version of the Apple Vision Pro, with industry insiders estimating a second-generation launch window sometime in 2025 or 2026. But that doesn't mean Apple isn't still hard at work behind the scenes on a more affordable version of its mixed reality headset. 

Apple is aiming to cut the cost of the Apple Vision Pro from $3,500 down to as low as $1,500, according to a new report from The Elec spotted by leaker Revegnus. How? Apple's apparently going back to the drawing board when it comes to one of the headset's most expensive components: its two 4K micro-OLED displays.

According to The Elec, Apple is currently considering companies such as SeeYa and BOE to fold into the display supply lineup alongside its sole existing micro-LED supplier, Sony. Relying on one supplier can bottleneck the production process, and it's likely Sony's working at maximum capacity to fulfill Apple's shipment needs. Spreading the work among multiple display manufacturers could shave down costs. Of course, given Apple's high bar for quality control requirements, it's possible these talks with SeeYa and BOE could go nowhere, and we see Apple rely on Sony once again as its exclusive supplier for the second-gen Vision Pro.

"Apart from seeking micro OLED suppliers, Apple is also accelerating research and development for the second-generation entry-level XR product to reduce the cost of micro OLED displays," Revegnus explained in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Previously, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple is discussing downgrading some of the Vision Pro's tech and functionality to cut costs as well. These options include fewer cameras, lower resolution screens and an iPhone-grade chip — as opposed to the M-series you’d find in a MacBook. Gurman said the final device will likely be named something like Apple Vision or Apple Vision One to indicate it's related to the Apple Vision Pro, just not quite as fully featured.

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Alyse Stanley
Alyse Stanley
News Editor

Alyse Stanley is a news editor at Tom’s Guide, overseeing weekend coverage and writing about the latest in tech, gaming, and entertainment. Before Tom’s Guide, Alyse worked as an editor for the Washington Post’s sunsetted video game section, Launcher. She previously led Gizmodo’s weekend news desk and has written game reviews and features for outlets like Polygon, Unwinnable, and Rock, Paper, Shotgun. She’s a big fan of horror movies, cartoons, and roller skating. She's also a puzzle fan and can often be found contributing to the NYT Connections coverage on Tom's Guide