Apple Reportedly Still Planning High-End and Low-End Versions of Second-Generation Headset in 2025

[MacRumors]

Apple's second-generation AR/VR headset will be offered in high-end and low-end versions and shipments are expected to be around ten times those of the first generation model, according to Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Concept render by Marcus Kane​

Multiple rumors have indicated that Apple's first AR/VR headset coming later this year will be priced somewhere around $3,000 and will be positioned as a device for developers, content creators, and professionals. Apple expects to sell just one headset per day per retail store, and the company has told suppliers that it expects sales of seven to 10 million units during the first year of availability.

The expensive price point is due to the high-end hardware that Apple is using, but the company reportedly wants to make a future version more affordable by using less pricey components such as lower-resolution lenses.

That could see Apple offer a two-tiered series of the second-generation device to appeal to a wider customer base, similar to the way it offers both standard and more premium Pro-branded iPhones each year.

The company's plans to release a cheaper version were first reported by The Information's Wayne Ma and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman earlier this year, but the assertion that it will be one of two second-generation models is a more specific claim attributed to Kuo.

According to one report, Apple's manufacturing partner Foxconn is already developing a cheaper second-generation version of the headset, but it is still believed to be in the early stages. Gurman has said the second-generation headset could arrive in 2024 or 2025, whereas Kuo's sources suggest to him that a 2025 release is more likely.

The first generation model of Apple's mixed reality headset is expected to be announced during Apple's WWDC opening keynote on Monday, June 5.

Article Link: Apple Reportedly Still Planning High-End and Low-End Versions of Second-Generation Headset in 2025

 

[MayaUser]

what about a mid range?

 

[Rychiar]

I would think they’d want to get m3 in this thing as fast as possible for more power efficiency

 

[MayaUser]

I would think they’d want to get m3 in this thing as fast as possible for more power efficiency

of course...power efficiency and as much as less heat...nobody would wear these if the SoC/SiP would heat too much

 

[Schizoid]

How many people will get their 3 grand back from early YouTube reviews or taking them apart?

 

[JapanApple]

ENOUGH OF THESE KUO RUMORS! I believe nothing until I see the price and design. Waste of time

 

[floral]

what about a mid range?

Apple View
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Apple View Pro

 

[genovelle]

These sales numbers don’t add up. There are 525 stores worldwide, so 1 per day per store is about 191,000 units in the first year. Yet, the claim is that they expect sales of 7-10 million units in the first year. That’s 40-50 times the other number.

 

[lazyrighteye]

Apple View
Apple View Air
Apple View Pro

Possibly. Thought I do hope, like the i, they move away from Air.

With Apple Watch, they finally moved off the iDevice naming convention. Like your suggestions, I think they’ll continue down that more direct naming convention - which I’m good with.

Remember iSight?

 

[floral]

Possibly. Thought I do hope, like the i, they move away from Air.

With Apple Watch, they finally moved off the iDevice naming convention. Like your suggestions, I think they’ll continue down that more direct naming convention - which I’m good with.

Remember iSight?

I was on the verge of saying iSight when I remembered that was both the name for old apple cameras and features the now abandoned "i"...

 

[Candy Apple+ Nutz]

The SE version, coming early 2026, can only be used for swimming.

But at least you can say you own a pair and save a couple hundred dollars.

 

[WiiDSmoker]

WiiDSmoker reportedly still waiting for revision 4 at minimum.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

These sales numbers don’t add up. There are 525 stores worldwide, so 1 per day per store is about 191,000 units in the first year. Yet, the claim is that they expect sales of 7-10 million units in the first year. That’s 40-50 times the other number.

Problem solved. Apple announces the opening of 26,873 new stores at WWDC.

I hear all of the Bed, Bath & Beyonds will be rebranded Virtual, Augmented & ApplePay.

And/or there's this thing called the Internet.

Plus Apple "stores" in... (Target, Best Buy, Walmart, etc), Mobile Partner stores (AT&T, Verizon, etc- there may be 26K cellular kiosks at the local Mall) and so on.

 

[BvizioN]

Apple View
Apple View Air
Apple View Pro

What about the "i" ? iView would sound more Apple like. Since Apple Watch original seems Apple has moved away from using i on it's products.

 

[tubular]

I was on the verge of saying iSight when I remembered that was both the name for old apple cameras and features the now abandoned "i"...

iBall

 

[75Batt]

These sales numbers don’t add up. There are 525 stores worldwide, so 1 per day per store is about 191,000 units in the first year. Yet, the claim is that they expect sales of 7-10 million units in the first year. That’s 40-50 times the other number.

You’re aware Apple operate an online store and sell through multiple channel partners, right?

 

[DarthDon]

Pro Ultra.

 

[kiranmk2]

These sales numbers don’t add up. There are 525 stores worldwide, so 1 per day per store is about 191,000 units in the first year. Yet, the claim is that they expect sales of 7-10 million units in the first year. That’s 40-50 times the other number.

Someone in this story chain has done some shoddy work by not checking the numbers add up...

 

[MacWiz_007]

But...but...but, what about 2027. I'd really like to know what's going to happen with these stupid goggles and fanny battery pack in 2027!

 

[iamgalt]

So these "analysts" realized that we all know they're just repeating the same rumors over and over again on the first gen, so they've decided to start speculating on the second gen, even though the first gen isn't even announced yet? Let alone released.

I'm not interested in purchasing these, but if we get to see Tim Apple give a demonstration at WWDC, I'll enjoy that.

 

[slash8slash1]

what about a mid range?

God, how I miss the "good", "better", "best" options in the Apple Store 🤭

 

[wanha]

what about a mid range?

There's no midrange in many apple product categories - often it's either pro or consumer.

But chances are if the glasses sell well enough, we'll eventually see a mid range variant to attract more customers

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

High-end or low-end... makes no difference. Still a Niche market. I wish really if Apple had focused on a completely different product this the AR/VR headset 🥽

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Sales eventually fizzles off like it did for the much cheaper Nintendo Wii. The idea of being cocooned in your own world is interesting to some people, but this product category for most of us will probably be more of a fad, like 3D TVs.

Apple should have focused instead on making an all-in-one living room TV (in 60" and 70") with high-end sound and a high-powered M-series chip, launching with 15 AAA quality games for everyone who wants to to play with their new great first-party controller—with a huge amount of effort put into this controller to show game devs how serious they are. The same games would be playable also on macOS with this controller. This sorts out Apple's living room strategy and Mac gaming problem. Apple should have left video streaming to the ten other streaming apps out there and put all of this money behind gaming—gaming sells the device—video streaming is available on any device, and would be on this device also.

AR is best served to augment existing experiences, such as smartphone camera apps (to recognise objects) and maps apps (for guided historical tours; to recognise objects and monuments) and for in-car HUD navigation.

 

[mevans7]

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