Based on the prices of current AR headsets, analysts predict that Apple's upcoming AR/VR device will require a monthly subscription.
Apple's first AR/VR headset has been repeatedly priced at $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000. Now the Trendforce analysts For the first time, a subscription comes into play, which may even be required. According to Trendforce, the commercial market is currently dominated by the HoloLens 2. The company believes that the "strong sales figures" of Oculus and Microsoft "will likely force Apple to launch corresponding products this year to join the competition."
Apple AR/VR headset: Which path will Apple choose?
However, given the hardware performance requirements and gross profit margins, Apple will likely target the commercial market and follow the same pricing strategy as with the HoloLens.
Trendforce expects "hardware priced in the thousands of dollars." In addition, Trendforce believes in "a monthly software solution on a subscription basis." Currently, the HoloLens 2 hardware (base model starting at €3,849) is offered by Microsoft as a one-time purchase. Other companies lease it or buy it on installments. There are also subscriptions for the HoloLens 2. But these only seem to apply to third-party apps. Since apps are needed for any AR or VR headset, Trendforce seems to expect that Apple itself will follow the third-party HoloLens 2 developers in charging an app subscription. The HoloLens 2 will be marketed to industry and commercial users. Although Apple is better known for consumer devices, previous rumors have suggested that the first Apple AR/VR headset will be aimed at companies and developers. (Photo by Khoamartin / Bigstockphoto)
