Tim Cook stated the cost of Vision Pro was $34.99, but it is nearly $3,500, leading to memes going viral. Apple could reduce the cost of Vision Pro by substituting components with a less advanced display and chip, or by implementing a more streamlined headband design.
Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, had an interview recently with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. During the interview, Cook stated that the cost of Vision Pro is “thirty-four, ninety-nine.”
When interviewed on national TV, Cook was questioned about the price of Vision Pro. To this he responded, “It will be priced at $34.99.” Post the interview, GMA switched back to the studio and issued a correction to the Apple CEO. Robin Roberts rectified, “Upon hearing ‘thirty-four, ninety-nine,’ I responded, ‘Oh, the cost is $34.99, which is reasonable.'” However, the cost is nearly $3,500.
At this year’s WWDC, Vision Pro stole the show. However, its price had the audience in splits. During the interview, Roberts inquired about the affordability of Vision Pro for the common man. Tim Cook replied, “I’m unsure.” I believe that individuals’ present financial status will influence their decision-making. He added, “The level of engineering and its complexity is simply mind-blowing.” You have a resolution of over 4K in each eye. Is it free of charge? There is a cost associated with performing that action. But I believe it offers excellent cost-effectiveness.
In response to the cost of Vision Pro, numerous individuals expressed their sentiments on Instagram and Twitter. This led to a never-ending stream of memes going viral. Elon Musk also shared a meme on the same topic.
At the WWDC, the mixed reality headset’s price was disclosed. After that it faced backlash from both consumers and online commentators. Mike Rockwell, the head honcho at Apple overseeing the project, responded.
He said, even if you were to acquire a brand new cutting-edge TV, surround-sound setup, robust computer with numerous high-definition screens, top-of-the-line cameras, and other comparable devices, you still wouldn’t be able to match the capabilities of Vision Pro. The argument may be technically accurate. But, it could be perceived as deceptive since Vision Pro is designed for personal use. On the other hand, television is intended for communal viewing.
It is possible that the tech company may reduce the cost of Vision Pro. The priciest elements of Vision Pro include the camera and sensor array, the dual Apple silicon chips, and the twin 4K micro-OLED VR displays. Apple could consider substituting the current components with a less advanced display and a chip that is comparable to the iPhone or an older MAC chip with fewer camera capabilities for a more budget-friendly option. This will result in a lower price point with reduced performance capabilities.
Apple could consider implementing a more streamlined headband design in its future products. As per Bloomberg, the strap of Vision Pro can be substituted with Air Pods to avail spatial audio. It has the potential to transition to a manual versus automated IPD calibration and eliminate functionalities such as the stereoscopic camera.