It feels like we stand on the precipice of a new piece of Apple hardware. Pundits expect the tech company to announce a new Apple Headset, that offers virtual or augmented reality at the World Wide Developer Conference in 2023.
The rumors suggest that the headset will cost upwards of $3,000. Sites like 9to5mac.com theorize that Apple might offer a leasing option to get people in the door for this next-generation leap.
But I’m not so sure. While all the rumors suggest that the headset uses premium parts, I don’t think Apple wants to price itself out of the competition so soon — even if the device is revolutionary. Of course, I could be wrong, and this might be wish casting, but I think the price will be much lower for three main reasons: the Meta Quest, the iPad, and the company’s goals.
Meta Quest
Apple doesn’t like to compete with Meta. Apple has failed every time it has tried to start a social media company. However, Meta can’t compete on hardware. I can’t imagine a world where Meta sells a $499 virtual reality headset and Apple’s costs $3000. There’s too much space between them.
Apple has never priced its devices low. It doesn’t compete on price. But I have a hard time imagining a price difference so significant. If Meta can get the price down, I think that Apple can design something that isn’t going to cost multiple thousands of dollars. So the first version of the Apple headset doesn’t have to be so premium that no one can test it at home.
The iPad
I vividly remember when they announced the iPad. There were rumors that the device would cost $1000 or more. How could it not? Apple had created a device that would change the world and make tablets popular. Then Steve Jobs got up on stage and made fun of the rumors while announcing the iPad would cost less than $500.
The crowd gasped and cheered. No one could believe it. You could tell that Jobs the price out because he knew it would be a killer feature.
Jobs said they had a design, user experience, and price goals as they created the iPad. I don’t see why they wouldn’t have the same thing in mind as they developed the Apple Headset.
Consumer Company
Finally, Apple is a consumer company. While they have expensive devices, it doesn’t price themselves out of the competition. If they designed the device without the price goals in mind, they wouldn’t sell as many devices. Instead, $3000 isn’t going to reach mainstream buyers, especially during a recession.
I think Jobs’s DNA is in Apple too much. I highly doubt that Apple designed the headset without considering the device’s price. They want this thing to sell. They want to bring in more money for the company.
Sure, if the device costs $3000 or more, people will still buy it, but what will happen after those early adopters get it? Apple knows better than the pundits what they need to do regarding the cost of this new device, reported to change the world.
Wait and See
So with all that said, I expect the Headset to cost a lot of money. I think I will want one, but I won’t have the cash to buy it, no matter the cost. I wouldn’t even be surprised if it does cost multiple thousands of dollars, but I will be sad.
I am excited to see what the device brings to the table. I have a Meta Quest 2 and haven’t used it much other than playing games. Will the Apple headset change the game? I hope so. We’ll have to see at WWDC23.
Check out what was announced at last year’s WWDC.
