An iPhone-powered headset would make the iPhone central to its ecosystem again, which could be in Apple’s best interest.
Venturing into a new category of products is never easy, especially when you aim to sell an exclusive device that few can afford. After the unimpressive launch of the Apple Vision Pro, the company is now looking into selling an iPhone-powered Vision device that could be more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
We’ve heard a few conflicting rumors about the future of the Vision Pro headset so far. Initially, there was only talk about Apple working on a more affordable headset that would appeal to a wider range of consumers. This was expected to retain the form factor of the current device. Now we learn that these plans have been delayed beyond 2027, and an iPhone-powered headset could be redesigned into smart glasses instead.
Are we then looking at a possible launch of two separate Apple AR/VR/MR devices? It’s quite likely.
Image: The Apple Vision Pro
Using the iPhone to Power a Vision Device? It Could Be the Solution to Apple’s Headset Dilemma
The Apple Vision Pro is an interesting device and what’s remarkable is that the headset handles all the computing on its own. Paired with the camera systems and efficient display, it becomes doubly expensive to produce. Apple has been rumored to be working on a more affordable headset, but just how it will cut costs and make it more feasible has been up for debate.
Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who is known for his insights into the Apple ecosphere, suggested that Apple is “seriously considering a device that offloads the computing components to an iPhone and serves as an accessory for watching movies.”
An iPhone-powered headset could greatly reduce the processing demands on the Vision Pro, reducing the cost of producing it as well.
An iPhone-Powered Headset Could Result in AR Glasses
Glasses like the XREAL Air 2 have already showcased smartphone-aided functioning so we know it’s not impossible. Meta’s Raybans are the best in the futuristic glasses category, so Apple would have to put forth something even better and make an entirely new product compared to the one they have.
Apple has repeatedly marketed the Vision Pro as a “spatial computer,” and the gadget is indeed involved in a lot of processing. The current headset has high computing and power demands that would quickly kill the iPhone’s battery.
Even if users are willing to sacrifice their already short-lived iPhone battery for the headset, they would barely get much use out of the headset. There is also the potential risk of the device overheating instantly.
Apple Vision Pro battery: 35.9Wh
iPhone 15 battery: 13Wh
Without a drastic reduction in capabilities, the iPhone will not replace the external battery in Vision.
Nor could an iPhone handle AR/VR workloads for sustained periods without a cooling fan.
— David Heaney (@Heaney555) June 23, 2024
With an iPhone Vision device, we can expect to see a pair of AR glasses emerge rather than the VR headset we have right now, so its purpose and functionality would be entirely different as well. An iPhone-powered headset could be good for the company, but it does not appear that it could claim to be a more affordable alternative or a replacement for the current headset.
Apple’s Work on an Affordable Headset Remains Central to Its Plans
The Apple Vision Pro headset is a marvel of a device. It has some advanced capabilities that put it ahead of its competitors and it also looks better than any of them. Despite its innovation, the headset does have a large number of flaws. It is pricey, which makes it a viable purchase for a smaller number of customers and inaccessible to a large number of its user base that might be interested in such a headset.
It also isn’t as versatile in its application just yet. The biggest inconvenience of using the device is its long-term functionality, where many users have complained of headaches and dizziness on using it, and others see no point in bringing it out too frequently.
Work on a Vision Pro 2 has reportedly been halted entirely to focus resources on an affordable Apple headset. Securing some loyal customers for the device and its future iterations is in the company’s best interest.
Vision Pro Headset Production Issues
Setting aside the work on future devices, the current Apple Vision Pro is also facing some conflict over lining up production and demand. Apple is looking to halt Vision Pro productions by the end of the year. Sources suggest that the demand for the $3,499 device is relatively low, so producing additional stock of the device will not work in the company’s favor. As it is, components are piling up already and Apple is said to have enough parts already available that will last it through next year.
To sum it all up, the current Apple Vision Pro will continue to be available for consumers, but Apple will have to readjust how many units it produces. Work on the Vision Pro 2 has been paused for now. Before it gets a release, we’re likely to see a budget-friendly Vision model, but even this should be set for a 2027 release.
The iPhone-supported Vision device could take on the form of glasses instead of a headset, but we have no evidence on whether Apple has begun work on it or if we are drawing closer to seeing a fixed timeline for its release. Fans are in favor of the move, but will Apple be able to pull it off in the next 2 years?
