Tag: Apple Vision Pro

  • Apple turns to Chinese supply chain for large-scale production of Vision Pro MR headset

    Apple turns to Chinese supply chain for large-scale production of Vision Pro MR headset

    Apple Turns to Chinese Suppliers for its Vision Pro Headset

    Apple is set to rely heavily on its supply chain in mainland China for its highly anticipated mixed reality (MR) headset, the Apple Vision Pro. Recent reports indicate that a significant 60% of the components for the Vision Pro will be sourced from Chinese suppliers, marking a departure from Apple's recent supply chain diversification efforts. This shift highlights the increased involvement of Chinese suppliers, particularly in the development of innovative products like the Vision Pro.

    A Shift in Supply Chain Strategy

    The Vision Pro, set for mass production in December, has an ambitious sales target of 1 million units in 2024, with the aim of reaching 10 million units by the third year. To achieve this, Apple has chosen to source a substantial portion of its components from China, a notable change compared to the iPhone 15 series.

    Key Chinese Suppliers

    Lingyi Intelligent Manufacturing, a prominent Chinese supplier, will play a crucial role in the production of the Vision Pro. They will provide components such as heat sink modules, headbands, eye masks, and nose pads, valued between $250-300 per unit. Another key supplier, Lixun Precision, will handle exclusive OEM assembly and contribute components valued at approximately $150-200 per unit.

    Benefits of Chinese Supply Chain

    The involvement of Chinese supply chain companies in the development and prototype stages of the Vision Pro headset has showcased their remarkable flexibility and capabilities. This has played a pivotal role in winning Apple's favor and CEO Tim Cook has publicly expressed his preference for mainland supply chains, especially in the creation of innovative products.

    By sourcing a majority of components from China, Apple stands to benefit from reduced production costs, potentially enabling the company to lower the overall cost of the Vision Pro. This strategic relocation of the supply chain to China marks a significant shift and highlights Apple's confidence in the capabilities of Chinese suppliers.

    In conclusion, Apple's decision to heavily rely on Chinese suppliers for the Vision Pro headset represents a departure from its recent supply chain diversification efforts. With an ambitious sales target and the aim to reach millions of units in the coming years, Apple is placing its trust in the flexibility and capabilities of Chinese supply chain companies. This strategic move is expected to reduce production costs and potentially lower the overall cost of the Vision Pro for consumers.

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  • Apple Vision Pro Set to Launch in March 2024, Global Availability Postponed Until 2025

    Apple Vision Pro Set to Launch in March 2024, Global Availability Postponed Until 2025

    Apple Vision Pro to be Released in March 2024

    Apple introduced its mixed reality headset named Apple Vision Pro at an event last June. Unlike the company’s other products, the device did not immediately go on sale after the event. Instead, Apple announced that the headset, which combines virtual and augmented reality, would be available for purchase in 2024. Now, the exact release date has been revealed. Here are the details…

    Mark Gurman Reveals Release Date

    If you’re a tech enthusiast and a dedicated follower of TechHere, you’ve likely heard the name Mark Gurman. Gurman, especially knowledgeable about Apple, frequently reveals details about the company’s products that others may not know. Now, he has come forward with a claim about Apple Vision Pro. According to him, the much-anticipated mixed reality headset will first be available for purchase in the United States in March 2024.

    Delayed Release

    However, this was not Apple’s original plan. The company intended to release the product in January. Unfortunately, some issues in the supply chain and longer-than-expected testing disrupted these plans. As a result, the release of Apple Vision Pro was delayed by two months. So, when will the mixed reality headset be available for purchase in the rest of the World?

    Global Availability

    According to Gurman’s research, the device will be available for purchase in Canada and the United Kingdom by the end of 2024. Unfortunately, its release in the rest of the world will extend until the last months of 2025. Of course, queues for the $3,500 Apple product may not form in many countries. Still, such limited availability may not be well-received by users.

    Affordable Model in the Pipeline

    However, waiting until 2025 may not be as bad as it sounds. It is already known that Apple is working on a kind of affordable Vision Pro model. This model is expected to be released no later than the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. This way, users can have a product with very similar features at a much lower cost.

    Source: 1, 2

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  • Second-Generation Apple Vision Pro Headset, Codenamed Project Alaska, Details Leaked

    Second-Generation Apple Vision Pro Headset, Codenamed Project Alaska, Details Leaked

    Apple is already working on the successor to its recently unveiled mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro. Codenamed "Project Alaska," the next-gen headset is still in the early stages of development but some details have emerged regarding its design changes, hardware components, and potential launch window.

    Design Changes and Speakers

    According to a report by MacRumors, Project Alaska will bear a close resemblance to its predecessor in terms of overall appearance. However, there may be some noticeable differences, particularly with the speakers. Some designs indicate the absence of speaker housing, while others suggest the presence of speaker-type holes near the top vents. Additionally, references to an audio accessory have been found in documentation, hinting at the possibility of an external speaker for the next headset.

    Redesigned Rear Straps

    The rear straps of Project Alaska are also undergoing a redesign. MacRumors describes them as "simpler in design and appearance," reminiscent of flat straps commonly found on laptop bags or backpacks. This design shift could align with prior rumors suggesting a more affordable price tag for the second-gen Vision Pro.

    Hardware Components

    Delving into the hardware components, the report lists several sensors including a compass, ambient light sensor, magnetometer, and gyroscope. Connectivity options will include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, and ultra-low latency audio. The headset will also feature two micro-OLED displays, a TrueDepth camera, four computer vision cameras, two RGB cameras, two infrared illuminators for low-light conditions, and semi-automatic interpupillary distance adjustment.

    Potential Launch Window

    The second-gen Vision Pro is expected to enter the product validation testing (PVT) stage in 2025, paving the way for a potential late 2025 or early 2026 launch. While pricing details are still under wraps, it is anticipated to be more affordable than the first-gen model.

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  • Apple Vision Pro’s Economical Variant: A Friendly Price with Compromised Features

    Apple Vision Pro’s Economical Variant: A Friendly Price with Compromised Features

    In a bid to reach a wider consumer base, Apple is reportedly working on a cost-effective variant of its high-end mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. The original device, priced at a steep $3,500, is beyond the reach of many consumers, prompting Apple to explore a more budget-friendly version​1​​2​​3​.

    Lowering the Price Tag

    The prime focus in developing this economical variant is to significantly lower the price to a range of $1,500 to $2,500. The strategy to achieve this price cut involves removing certain features and downgrading the chip used in the device​4​​5​.

    Sacrificing the EyeSight Feature

    One of the notable features to be axed in this cost-cutting endeavor is the EyeSight feature. The EyeSight technology in the original Vision Pro uses an external OLED display to project a three-dimensional rendering of the user’s facial expressions to others in the room. While this feature enhances the interactive experience, it doesn’t offer substantial benefits to the wearer of the device. By eliminating this feature, Apple can significantly reduce the bill of materials, thus lowering the price point of the device​6​.

    Reduced Camera and Sensor Array

    Additionally, the number of cameras and sensors will be trimmed down in the budget-friendly variant. This move is another step towards reducing the production costs while maintaining the core functionality of the mixed reality headset​6​.

    Future Expectations

    Although Apple is heading towards a more affordable Vision Pro, there are speculations that the low-cost version might have been shelved for now​7​. On the brighter side, along with the low-cost model, Apple is purportedly also working on a second-generation high-end Vision Pro, focusing on making it lighter, more comfortable, and equipped with a chip spec bump​6​.

    The development of a low-cost Apple Vision Pro is a testament to Apple’s initiative to make mixed reality technology more accessible. While the reduction in price comes with a trade-off in features, it opens the door for a broader consumer base to experience Apple’s mixed reality technology.

    Source Links: appleinsider.com | wccftech.com | 9to5mac.com

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