The Vision Pro headset, which was expected to launch in 2027, has been delayed by Apple

If you’ve been holding out for a more budget-friendly version of Apple’s Vision Pro headset, it seems the wait may stretch on for years. Apple has been rumored to be working on a less costly variant of its Vision Pro headset, but the latest insights from well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that this model might not make its debut until at least 2027. “Production of the cheaper Vision Pro has been pushed back well beyond 2027”, Kuo shared in a recent post on X, hinting that Apple’s development of a lower-priced version is on hold for now.

Although Apple is anticipated to release a new Vision Pro headset next year, it won’t be the widely speculated cheaper model. Instead, this 2025 release is expected to feature a new M5 chip, giving the Vision Pro an internal upgrade without a price drop. As Kuo explains, “This means Apple’s only upcoming head-mounted display in 2025 will be the Vision Pro with the enhanced M5 processor”.

Kuo suggests that the delay could be due to Apple’s realization that lowering the price alone may not be enough to drive adoption. He likens the situation to Apple’s experience with the HomePod—despite launching the more affordable HomePod mini, Apple’s smart speakers struggled to achieve widespread popularity. “Reducing the price wouldn’t necessarily lead to successful use cases”, Kuo notes, drawing a parallel with the HomePod’s journey. “Although the HomePod mini was less costly, Apple’s speakers were never widely available.”

This hints that the delayed, more affordable Vision Pro could incorporate unique technology to differentiate it from the current version, offering more than just a price cut. The concept of a cheaper Vision Pro has been circulating in the tech world for about a year, especially after the Vision Pro headset generated significant buzz with its pioneering VisionOS, which lets users interact with digital content using eye, hand, and voice controls. Although unavailable in markets like India, the Vision Pro was met with excitement in the U.S., primarily due to its groundbreaking spatial operating system. However, its $3,499 price tag—roughly Rs 2.89 lakh in India-limited its appeal. Speculations suggest that a more affordable Vision Pro could come in at around $1,000 less, potentially making it more accessible to a broader audience.