Apple was absent from CES 2024, but the buzz surrounding its Vision Pro headset was unmistakable. Just as the event began, Apple officially announced that the Vision Pro would be available in the US starting February 2, with preorders opening on January 19.
In response, CES featured a multitude of ‘Vision Pro competitors’ all aiming to demonstrate their ability to deliver what Apple’s spatial computer promises at a lower price point. Xreal positioned its new Air 2 Ultra glasses as a budget-friendly alternative to the Vision Pro in its press release.
Asus’ AirVision M1 smart glasses, while lacking similar mixed-reality capabilities, sport a name that resonates with Apple’s product lineup. Sony, on the other hand, hasn’t disclosed the pricing for its competing VR headset designed for the “industrial metaverse,” which appears poised to challenge Apple’s headset in professional settings.
With Samsung also preparing to launch an XR/VR headset and other companies gearing up to introduce spatial computing devices, 2024 is expected to see a proliferation of Vision Pro rivals – many highlighting their affordability compared to Apple’s headset, which starts at $3,499 USD (approximately £2,800 / AU$5,300).
