A brand new report concerning the rumored Apple VR headset predicts that it’ll set you again upwards of $2,000 (£1,655 / AU$2,875) – roughly 5 instances what Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 prices.

Whereas Apple has but to formally discuss its rumored Apple VR headset, numerous leaks and rumors have given us a fairly clear thought of what the system will likely be able to. This standalone headset – that means it wouldn’t run off a PC or PS5 just like the Valve Index and PlayStation VR 2 – could possibly be among the best VR headsets ever made with an influence that’s akin to an M1-powered Mac pc.

Nonetheless, it’s additionally more likely to value as a lot as a MacBook, with a brand new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (opens in new tab) saying that Apple plans to ship the headset at a worth between $2,000 and $2,500 – considerably greater than any earlier consumer-focussed VR system.

Kuo provides that due to its worth Apple expects to promote fewer than 1.5 million of the headset in 2023. For context, that’s roughly one-tenth of the whole variety of Oculus Quest 2 headsets that Meta has bought since its launch in October 2020.

As with all rumors we now have to recollect to take this one with a pinch of salt, however Kuo’s observe document at predicting particulars about Apple’s tech means it’s value listening to. Nonetheless, on this event, we hope he’s mistaken.

Who desires to purchase a $2,000 VR headset? 

This sort of worth is just not out of the query relating to Apple’s devices – with its most premium merchandise usually carrying a hefty value to potential prospects. A excessive value appears particularly probably for its VR headset because it has spent a number of years caught in growth, which implies Apple could possibly be eager to recuperate its sunk prices.

Nonetheless, whereas Apple has reportedly succeeded in making an accessible system when it comes to its capabilities and type issue – with Kuo’s report but once more hinting it’ll be an ultra-slim wearable – it’s ignored the most important issue that helped the Quest 2 succeed: an reasonably priced price ticket.

Till a current worth improve, Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 set you again simply $299 / £299 / AU$479. This headset additionally doesn’t want a high-end PC or console to assist run it and was far and away the most affordable mainstream headset available on the market. Contemplating VR remains to be one thing of a novelty in comparison with comparable but extra established industries like computing and gaming, the Quest 2’s worth was a good entry price. 

Want extra proof {that a} low worth is essential for achievement? The Quest 2 truly had some downgrades in comparison with its predecessors – even the unique Oculus Quest – to assist carry its worth to an all-time low. But regardless of points in its first six months on sale, the Quest 2 had bought extra items than all different Oculus VR headsets mixed had bought over 5 years.

However not solely is the worth of Apple’s headset a priority, the VR experiences it affords won’t do its gross sales any favors. 

Meta and Sony’s VR platforms are dwelling to a number of the finest VR video games ever made, and collaborations with famend builders imply iconic franchises like Murderer’s Creed and Grand Theft Auto are anticipated to get VR entries within the close to future. If Apple expects customers to pay an arm and leg for its VR headset, it’ll must persuade us its headset can provide us one thing simply nearly as good. Apple’s observe document within the gaming house up so far would not fill us with confidence that its {hardware} can ship.

We’ll have to attend and see what Apple proclaims, but when its headset is as costly because it’s rumored to be and would not give us one thing mind-blowing in return we will not see ourselves abandoning Meta’s cheaper {hardware} any time quickly.

(through MacRumors (opens in new tab))