Apple’s groundbreaking Vision Pro AR/VR headset has made a significant impact, leaving numerous inquiries yet to be addressed. Among those queries, one notable concern revolves around the cost of the corrective lenses required for individuals with visual impairments to utilize this innovative device.
The Vision Pro AR/VR headset sets itself apart from many existing devices in the market with its notably compact size. While this offers various advantages, it also poses a limitation: users will not be able to wear eyeglasses while using the headset. However, Apple has addressed this concern by introducing prescription lens inserts that can be easily attached to the headset through magnetic snapping.
Despite this innovative solution, Apple has not yet disclosed the pricing details for these prescription lens inserts. As of now, the cost remains unknown, leaving users curious about the potential investment required to incorporate prescription lenses into their Vision Pro experience.
According to Bloomberg correspondent Mark Gurman, it is speculated that the price range for a pair of Zeiss lenses designed for the Vision Pro AR/VR headset could fall between $300 and $600. While this may seem like a substantial amount, it is in line with Apple’s track record of pricing accessories. For instance, Apple has previously offered accessories like feet for the Mac Pro at $299 and wheels for the Mac Pro at $699, indicating that higher-priced accessories are not uncommon within their product ecosystem.
I would guess that the Zeiss prescription lenses for the Vision Pro will be at least $300-600 a pair, unless Apple is eating part of the cost given the already high price of the headset itself.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) June 6, 2023
Indeed, it is highly unlikely that someone would invest in a $3,500 AR/VR headset and then hesitate to purchase the necessary lenses to fully utilize the device. When individuals make a significant investment in a high-end product like the Vision Pro headset, they generally understand the importance of acquiring any additional accessories or components required for optimal functionality.
In this case, the prescription lenses play a crucial role in enabling users with visual impairments to fully enjoy and benefit from the immersive AR/VR experience offered by the headset. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that individuals willing to invest in the Vision Pro headset would also be prepared to pay for the lenses necessary to use it effectively.
There is indeed reason to remain hopeful when considering the pricing of add-on lenses for VR headsets from Zeiss. Zeiss already offers a range of supplementary lenses for VR headsets, typically priced between €70 and €100.
This suggests that there is a possibility that the prescription lens inserts for the Vision Pro AR/VR headset could fall within a similar price range. Taking into account Zeiss’ existing pricing structure, it is plausible to anticipate that Apple might consider a competitive pricing strategy for their prescription lens inserts.
It should be $0
It would be ideal if the cost of the additional hardware required to address visual impairments in Apple’s Vision Pro AR/VR headset was waived. During the keynote, Apple emphasized that approximately 30% of the global population suffers from myopia, along with individuals who have hyperopia or astigmatism. Consequently, unveiling a device that cannot accommodate glasses raises concerns about accessibility.
To promote inclusivity, it would be beneficial for Apple to provide the necessary support for corrective lenses without charging extra. Moreover, it would be advantageous for future iterations of the “Vision” hardware to be designed with the ability to accommodate users wearing glasses.
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