The Surprising Truth About the Apple Vision Pro's Price
Apple's groundbreaking mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, may come with a hefty price tag of $3,499, but it offers unparalleled features that totally revolutionize the VR experience Its R&D costs were likely enormous, and it costs less than all the things it can replace Additionally, early adopters should expect to pay a premium, and less advanced headsets are selling for similar money
The Vision Pro Really Does Totally New Things
Apple made headlines with their latest innovation, the Vision Pro mixed reality headset, which comes with a hefty price tag of $3,499. While this may seem steep, it's important to consider the advanced technology and capabilities that the device offers.The Apple Vision Pro is not simply a conventional device, but rather a revolutionary method of engaging with digital content that combines the virtual and physical realms. With this device, users can navigate digital environments using their voice, hands, and eyes. Although there are other products that offer similar functionalities, there is no direct comparison to the exceptional mixed reality (or extended reality) capabilities that the Vision Pro provides.
The device's true capabilities will only be revealed once it reaches the hands of independent reviewers, but if it lives up to its promised capabilities, it will undoubtedly be a breakthrough product. The Vision Pro boasts various unparalleled features such as a micro OLED display with an incredibly high pixel density, rendering the pixel grid invisible. Additionally, its R1 spatial processor and advanced sensor array surpasses all other similar devices we know of, while the eye-tracking system's accuracy is almost uncanny.
The Vision Pro stands out not only for its unique and innovative subcomponents, but also for the seamless integration of its software, interface design, and compatibility with the Apple ecosystem. While its performance remains to be seen, there is currently no comparable product in the market that offers the same comprehensive features as the Vision Pro, much like the original iPhone when it was first introduced.
The R&D Costs Were Likely Enormous
The Vision Pro is a groundbreaking advancement in technology, unlike any other seen before. It is the result of years of meticulous research and development, resulting in an incredibly innovative and intricate hardware design.
Apple has been diligently laying the groundwork for the Vision Pro for quite some time. They began acquiring AR startups years ago, and even after the recent launch announcement, they continue to do so. The inclusion of Apple's ARKit API in every modern iPhone and iPad has been instrumental in enabling the Vision Pro to have spatial awareness. In fact, when ARKit was initially launched as a software solution that worked with existing iPhone cameras, it made Google's hardware-based AR platform, "Tango," seem outdated. Google eventually abandoned Tango in favor of ARCore, its own ARKit-like solution.
Apple needs to recover the R&D expenses incurred during the development of their first-generation product. Given the inclusion of advanced and innovative technology, it's safe to assume that each unit's cost is not low. However, with most significant milestones accomplished, the focus now shifts to refining and iterating the product while finding ways to bring down costs. It's worth noting that when HD TVs were first introduced, they were priced at around $15,000 (adjusted for inflation) and only the affluent early adopters could afford them. Today, you can purchase an FHD 1080p TV for less than $200.
It Costs Less Than All the Things It Can Replace
The Vision Pro's price becomes more justifiable when considering its potential to replace multiple devices. It functions as a tablet, 4K television, game console, and computer all in one, with added benefits that are exclusive to this device. For instance, it provides the capability to expand your workspace beyond the physical boundaries of your room or to bring your memories to life in 3D.
The introduction of mixed reality technology is bound to face some cultural resistance, as evidenced by the slightly uncomfortable feeling we experienced during the presentation. The depiction of people frequently being alone or the dystopian image of a father filming his children using a fake eye projection can be unsettling. However, as the technology becomes more widely used and less intrusive, it may become more commonplace, similar to how the use of smartphones is perceived today.
What sets the Vision Plus apart is that it is not just an accessory, but a fully functional standalone computer system. Although it can be used as an extended display for a Mac, it is not necessary to have one in order to use the Vision Pro, just like how an iPhone or iPad can be used without a Mac.
First-Generation Devices Have an Early Adopter Tax
One potential downside is that the headset is designed for individual use only. However, for personal use, it can actually offer great value for its price.Early adopters are often willing to pay a premium for the opportunity to be the first to try out new technology. A prime example is the initial release of the iPhone, which carried a hefty price tag of $599 that many found difficult to justify. However, as time has passed, the first-generation iPhone is now considered a groundbreaking device that was worth the initial investment. While there are now smartphones available across a wide range of price points, the value of high-end smartphones is no longer a topic of debate. Despite the additional cost associated with being an early adopter, there is a subset of customers who are willing to pay a premium to be among the first to experience and potentially capitalize on the benefits offered by products like the Vision Pro.
It is through the support and feedback of both professional and passionate early adopters that Apple can identify the strengths and weaknesses of their products. This invaluable information will pave the way for future advancements, such as the creation of a Vision Pro version of the beloved iPhone SE or MacBook Air.
Less Advanced Headsets Are Selling For Similar Money
In terms of pricing, it's worth noting that other less advanced headsets are being sold for a similar price point. Take the Microsoft HoloLens 2 for example, which doesn't provide the same level of immersive experience, integration, or app compatibility as the Vision Pro, but still costs $3,500. If the Vision Pro can successfully deliver on its promise of seamlessly combining the digital and physical worlds, its price would be reasonable when compared to its less capable competitors. However, the success of the product and its future iterations is still uncertain as its ability to gain a foothold in the market ultimately depends on consumer demand.
However, the interest in the technology is evident, as many people have shown excitement towards it. If Apple were to sell their device at a lower price point, similar to the Meta Quest 3 priced at $500, it would undoubtedly sell out quickly. Unfortunately, the current price point is significantly higher, dampening the enthusiasm for the product at the moment.
