Apple Has a Chance to Correct One of Its Biggest Mistakes — And It Could Happen Imminently

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Apple’s Vision Pro headset is too expensive. While this sentiment isn’t new, recent developments suggest Apple may soon take action to address this concern. If it comes to fruition, this could mark an important step in fixing one of Apple’s biggest recent missteps.

Potential Vision Pro Announcements

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently shared on X his belief that Apple has some Vision Pro-related news to announce this Friday. While the specifics aren’t clear, the fact that Apple is reaching out to the press suggests something significant is about to happen. There are several possibilities for what Apple could reveal:

• A new Vision Pro headset with an M5 chip
• Support for Apple Intelligence in the headset
• A partnership with Sony to integrate PSVR2 controllers into the Vision Pro
• A new, cheaper headset
• A price drop for the Vision Pro

The M5 Chip in a New Vision Pro

Announcing a Vision Pro with an M5 chip might seem like the most “Apple-like” move, pushing for premium features and disregarding concerns over price. However, this doesn’t make much sense. Apple has only rolled out the M4 chip to half of its Macs, and launching the M5 before that rollout is completed would undercut the current chip. Plus, the M5 might not even be ready yet, as the M4 has only been available for a few months.

Adding Apple Intelligence to the Vision Pro

Adding Apple Intelligence to the Vision Pro could make sense, enhancing control and functionality. However, it may require a more powerful chip to handle these demands. This could mean waiting for the M5 upgrade or simply upgrading the headset’s memory to accommodate the increased workload.

A More Affordable Alternative Vision Pro

While there’s a strong rumor about a more affordable Vision Pro model being in development, it’s unlikely to be released soon. Even the most ambitious predictions say it won’t be available for another year or two.

The Most Likely Outcome: A Price Drop

Of all the options, a price drop for the current Vision Pro seems the most necessary. At $3,499, the Vision Pro is simply not selling in large enough quantities to justify the high research and development costs. Apple cannot continue selling the headset at this price point.

Combining Price Drop and PSVR2 Controller Support

Apple’s announcement could very well be a combination of the price drop and PSVR2 controller support. While a price cut would be significant, the PSVR2 controller integration would also provide a valuable gaming boost, though it might not be groundbreaking enough for its own press release. An outside chance of an Apple Intelligence teaser could also be included.

Conclusion: Apple’s Chance to Correct Course

After months of silence, it’s reassuring to see Apple finally taking action with the Vision Pro. While it’s hard to predict exactly what will be announced, a combination of a price drop and PSVR2 controller support seems the most likely outcome. Apple cannot afford to ignore the price issue, and this move could be exactly what the Vision Pro needs.