Apple might launch a budget version of its AR headset

The Apple AR headset, the company's first-ever, will be available in Q3 2023. Although this is fantastic news because we've been waiting Ages for Apple to launch its AR headset, it will most likely have a price tag of over $3000, implying that Cupertino's AR experience won't be accessible to everyone. However, if you want an Apple AR headset but aren't prepared to spend 3 grand on it now, Cupertino may provide a less expensive option. The only difficulty is that... you'll probably have to wait until 2025 to get one.

Apple's second-generation AR headset will debut in the first half of 2025, according to frequent leaker Ming-Chi Kuo. This time, instead of just one high-end and extremely costly model, Cupertino may bring out two versions. One with superior performance and most likely a higher price tag, and another geared towards people who either can't afford or don't want to spend so much money on an AR headset.

Unfortunately, Kuo didn't provide any information about the price or features of the cheap Apple AR headset, so we don't know how much more affordable it will be. According to Kuo, however, Cupertino may ship over 10 million units of its AR device "as soon as 2025 or 2026" thanks to "the second-generation Apple AR/MR product segmentation strategy and ecosystem."

We should keep in mind that this is all speculation at this point. Apple has not announced the release of an AR headset, let alone a next-generation AR device with a more affordable version. However, such a low-cost model is certainly possible for Cupertino to develop. It includes an entry-level iPhone, an entry-level smartwatch, and an entry-level iPad, so it's only natural for them to provide an entry-level AR headset as well.