Apple's AR/VR Headset Might Cost $2000, Only Have 1.5 Million Units at Launch

According to a report, Apple is avoiding a big stake in the consumer virtual reality pricing race with a very low-key first release. Apple will only be releasing less than 1.5 million units of its first iteration of the augmented reality headset next year, according to an Apple analyst.

The new headset will cost $2,000 and will be one of the most expensive headsets on the market, according to the author. The device would only be useful for people with deep pockets.

The final price of Apple's headset was reported to be closer to $3,000 in the past. The product has been in the works for a long time, with reports of delays and Apple not mentioning the device or realityOS.

It has been rumored that Apple's mixed reality headset will have similar specifications to an M1 MacBook Pro and be light despite having a dozen or so cameras for hand tracking. Apple is focusing on limited, expensive headsets to see where the market demand is for these high-end virtual reality devices, and pricing could be dropped as time goes on, according to a new report. The Apple analyst gave presentations on how the headsets are selling.

The question is what kind of market there is for such high-end headsets when the space is currently dominated by cheaper devices. It is out of range of even the most expensive headsets like the Vive Pro 2 or the Valve Index. The only hope for a reasonably priced headset is if there are other rumors of an affordable option.

Meta's low, low pricing of its most popular wireless headset has made virtual reality more accessible. The analysts think the Quest 2 has sold over 15 million units. Two years later, the $1,000 full kit Valve index is still a top seller.

Although, this recent news is in line with earlier reports out of Apple that claim the company's augmented reality offerings are meant for shorter sessions. Rather than forcing people to exist in a virtual environment where they can easily display ads for digital products, Apple is much larger on alternate reality tech such as recently revealed iPhone tools that allow for virtual redecorating, which we can only assume will one day be used to display more virtual advertising. There is no escape from it.