Although Apple’s first-generation headset has yet to be officially announced, the rumor mill is already in full steam to discuss plans for the device’s second generation.
Today, Respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple plans to launch the second-generation headphones in 2025. Unlike the first generation, which will only have one high-end model, the second generation will come in two models: a low-end version and a top of the line.
Kuo says the high-end AR/VR headset will be produced by Luxcaseict, a joint venture between Luxshare and Pegatron. The low-end model will be produced by Foxconn.
This agrees with a report by earlier in the week that Foxconn is currently working on optimizing production for the cheaper low-end headset project.
As a reminder, we currently expect Apple’s headphones coming in 2023 to have cutting-edge technology, at a price. The advertised price is around $3,000. Therefore, it was inevitable that Apple would develop cheaper entry-level headsets in the future in order to gain a large customer base.
It’s unclear exactly how much cheaper the lower-end model would be. A previous report from Information said Apple was targeting to cut the price in half, to around $1,500.
The first iteration of the helmet should be unveiled at WWDC in June, with the device going on sale later in the year. It will feature two high-resolution micro-OLED displays (one for each eye), dozens of cameras and built-in sensors for hand and eye tracking, all powered by the M2 chip. Trademark filings indicate that Apple will mark the device as “Apple Reality Pro”. Due to its expected high price, the Apple Reality Pro is unlikely to have mass market appeal.
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