New details have emerged about Apple’s plans for a more affordable version of its Vision Pro headset, which could be marketed as the Vision Air. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who first reported on the project in June, revealed that the device is expected to be more than 40 per cent lighter than the current model, which weighs between 600 and 650 grams.
Kuo also suggested that Apple is positioning the Vision Air as a cost-effective alternative to its premium mixed-reality device. While the Vision Pro is currently priced at S$5,299, the Vision Air is projected to cost around S$2,650. This pricing would place it slightly above the iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB), priced at S$2,499, and below the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro).
Rumours and industry reports
Speculation about a budget-friendly Vision Pro model has been circulating since 2023. Bloomberg previously reported that Apple was working on a headset with fewer cameras and sensors, a less powerful chip, and lower-resolution displays to achieve a lower price point. These earlier predictions appear to align closely with Kuo’s recent insights.
According to Kuo, the development of the Vision Air reflects Apple’s two-pronged strategy: to make its Vision lineup more accessible to a broader audience and to respond to customer feedback regarding the Vision Pro’s heavy build, which some users have found uncomfortable during extended use.
Expected release timeline and sales forecast
The Vision Air is expected to launch in 2027, marking a strategic expansion of Apple’s presence in the mixed-reality market. Kuo estimates that Apple will ship around one million units of the device once it becomes available.
Apple has not yet confirmed any official details about the Vision Air. However, with ongoing reports from respected analysts and publications, anticipation continues to build for a lighter, more affordable headset that could appeal to a wider consumer base.
