Apple seems to be taking an interesting approach to a new AR headset. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company is considering developing a vision device that relies on the iPhone's processing power. This would essentially allow Apple to offer a simpler headset that essentially consists of a display and a battery. This concept could be a cheap alternative to the expensive Apple Vision Pro, which is currently only suitable for a limited audience due to its high performance and equally high cost.
Apple's Vision Pro has already caused a stir, offering an immersive augmented reality experience, but at a high price. Now there are signs that Apple is working on a cheaper version that uses the iPhone as a data center. This would not only reduce costs but also anchor the iPhone even more firmly as a central device in Apple's product range. Mark Gurman reported at least that Apple is seriously considering such a vision headset. What could this mean for you and future Apple products?
Apple's plans for an iPhone-based vision headset
The idea of developing a headset that primarily serves as a display for the iPhone is not entirely new. Similar approaches already exist, for example from Xreal. With this type of AR glasses, the image material from the smartphone is projected onto the headset, so that all the computing work remains in the smartphone. According to Gurman, Apple now seems to be seriously considering a similar strategy. A vision device that uses the iPhone as a data center could offer some interesting advantages:
- Cost savings: Since the main processing takes place in the iPhone, the Vision headset could be significantly cheaper than the Vision Pro, which is equipped with its own high-end chip.
- Simpler design: Without the need for independent computing power, the headset would be slimmer and probably lighter, improving the wearing experience and making it more practical in everyday life.
- Better battery life: Because the computing work is outsourced, the Vision device's battery could last longer and only support the display and basic functions.
A headset that relies on the iPhone would fit into Apple's product range as a relatively cheap and accessible solution. It could therefore be attractive to all those who find the Vision Pro too expensive or oversized. Such a device could open up many fields of use, especially for simple applications such as displaying media content, navigation or messaging.
Background and current developments
According to Gurman, Apple has experimented with the idea of a simpler AR headset before. At the time, however, it was just one of several concepts the company was testing for its Vision product line. The idea now seems to have taken shape and Gurman suggests that Apple is now seriously pursuing this direction. The well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reportedthat the launch of a cheaper Vision headset could potentially be delayed until beyond 2027. If that is the case, the concept of a "Vision device as an iPhone accessory" would be a sensible and faster alternative that could meet the demand for a more affordable AR device for the time being. Gurman also mentions that an iPhone-powered headset would reinforce the iPhone as a central element of the Apple ecosystem. The iPhone already acts as the central control unit for many Apple devices, from the Apple Watch to the AirPods and Apple TV.
Advantages and Challenges of an iPhone-Based Vision Headset
A vision headset that uses iPhone processing power could further expand this connection and cement the iPhone as the centerpiece of the Apple universe. The approach of outsourcing the processing power of an AR headset to the iPhone brings some advantages, but also presents Apple with some challenges:
- Technical complexity: The iPhone would need to be able to maintain a constant and fast connection to the Vision headset. A smooth augmented reality experience requires high image quality without lag, which could pose technical challenges for Apple.
- Integration into the Apple ecosystem: An iPhone-powered vision headset would be integrated into the existing Apple ecosystem as another accessory and could further increase the value of an iPhone. Users would have even more reasons to choose an iPhone if it forms the centerpiece of a connected, AR-enabled device package.
- Battery capacity and consumption: While the headset would have a longer battery life by outsourcing the computing work, the increased computing load could put more strain on the iPhone's battery. Apple would therefore also have to develop energy management solutions to operate both devices as efficiently as possible.
Overall, Apple could reach a wider audience by offering a more affordable vision headset that makes the benefits of augmented reality more accessible. Especially for users who are already heavily involved in the Apple ecosystem, a vision headset as an iPhone extension would be an interesting option to experience the AR experience without a large investment.
Cheaper AR for everyone: An iPhone-powered vision device
Apple's possible plans for an iPhone-powered Vision device show how the company continues to look for innovative ways to incorporate augmented reality into its products. Such a headset could serve as a more affordable and everyday alternative to the Vision Pro and give more users access to AR. At the same time, it would further strengthen the iPhone's position as an indispensable device in the Apple ecosystem. This development fits in with Apple's strategy of establishing the iPhone as the central platform for a variety of devices that enrich their users' digital lives. Whether and when Apple will officially introduce this Vision headset remains to be seen. But if Apple realizes this idea, it could once again fundamentally change the way people experience AR and make the technology accessible to many. (Image: Apple)
