Apple's Vision Pro announcement at this summer's WWDC was arguably one of the most exciting technology launches of the year. But the $3,500 asking price for the "spatial computing" headset had even hardcore Apple fans shaking nervously in their seats, and the suggestion that Vision Pro's Gen 1 status will be followed up in the near future by a Gen 1.5 version The concern was somewhat allayed by the suggestion that Vision Pro's Gen 1 status will be followed up in the near future by a more friendly, pricier Gen 1.5 version. However, that is no longer the case.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that a cheaper version of the Vision Pro may not materialize after all, despite rumors suggesting a 2025 release.

Kuo does not give a reason for the cancellation, but suggests that Apple is keeping a close eye on the cost of the first version of this product.

Kuo estimates that Apple will ship between 400,000 and 600,000 headsets next year and believes that it may "take longer than the market expects" for the innovative headset to become Apple's breadwinner. He also believes that the second generation will enter mass production in the first half of 2027, but there will be no revisions (low-cost or otherwise) until that second-generation device is announced.

This is the first indication that Apple will discontinue the lower-priced Vision Pro; while the Vision Pro will undoubtedly be sold as a Pro-level device (the hint is in the name), Apple will bring it closer to the price of the iPhone 15 Pro and future computing It is likely that Apple is trying to attract customers to the And I would argue that a lower price point is essential for mass adoption, especially given the pricing of Meta's competing devices.

Indeed, today is an interesting time for Kuo to drop this news nugget, as today is the day Meta will showcase its latest Quest headset at the Meta Connect conference. The Meta Quest vs. Apple Vision Pro debate is a price difference Much of the debate has centered on the price difference.

After the Vision Pro announcement, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg focused on cost as the biggest reason for VR seekers to choose Meta. He said, "I think their announcement really shows the difference in values and vision between the two companies. We're innovating to make our products as accessible and affordable as possible for everyone. And we have sold tens of millions of quests."

It remains to be seen if Meta will mention Vision Pro at today's Connect, but you can follow the latest news on Meta Connect's live blog.