The Apple Vision Pro headset is expensive. We have heard some rumors about a lower-priced future model, but you shouldn't expect it to be, well, affordable. However, it appears that some changes will be made to make it cheaper.

According to Mark Garman's latest Power On newsletter, Apple is discussing a possible price range between $1,500 and $2,500. That would be considerably less than the $3,500 price tag for the upcoming Vision Pro, and even $2,500 would be the same. But even at its lowest price point, the headset may still be too expensive for many people.

Price reductions naturally come with some consequences. Garman noted that the Vision Pro SE (or whatever it is called) may end up with fewer cameras, a lower-resolution screen, and an iPhone-grade chip, rather than the M-series found in the MacBook, and some of his earlier claims were He reiterated.

He also added that the lower-priced models may have to ditch the "EyeSight" feature, which shows part of the wearer's face on an external display. The idea behind this was to increase engagement between the user and the real world, which Apple designers were reportedly concerned about before the announcement.

Unfortunately, this is a bit disconcerting and gives Tom's Guide global editor-in-chief Mark Spooner a Black Mirror vibe. I feel there is also a big dose of uncanny valley in there and would not miss this feature, even if it came at the expense of future headset cost-cutting measures.

I have heard speculation that Apple may not release a less expensive mixed reality headset anytime soon; Gurman claims that the company has pulled resources away from the long-rumored AR Apple Glasses. In other words, a less expensive headset seems to be a higher priority than some reports would have us believe.

Garman also notes that a Vision Pro 2 is apparently in development with the same features and hardware as the original. Little is known about what other upgrades we might see, but Garman claims that it will be smaller and lighter, and will be able to offer degree lenses built directly into the headset itself.

The Apple Vision Pro will not appear until early 2024, so it will be some time before any follow-on product appears. Whether that is a low-cost SE version of the headset or a true sequel remains to be seen. In the meantime, you can check out the Apple Vision Pro hub for the latest news and updates, and read our first impressions of the Apple Vision Pro hands-on.