Verified Badges are Gone and AI gets Too Real

Developer Focus

Apple's anticipated AR/VR headset is generating buzz, particularly due to its hefty $3,000 price tag and its initial focus on developers. Andrew Manganelli highlights that this device is likely a developer tool, similar to Apple's previous developer kits, which were not intended for the general public 1. David Imel notes that Apple's strategy may involve releasing a more affordable consumer version in the future, akin to the evolution of the Apple Watch 1.

Apple has long term aspirations where maybe on gen five or gen six, that's when it's affordable enough for mass adoption.

--- David Imel

This approach allows developers to create applications and build an ecosystem before the product becomes widely available 2.

   

AR/VR Vision

Apple's vision for AR/VR technology is ambitious, aiming to integrate seamlessly into its ecosystem while setting a high bar for competitors. Marques Brownlee mentions that despite internal skepticism, Apple is pushing to unveil the headset at WWDC, even if it's not fully ready 3. The company is expected to position the headset as a premium product, potentially priced above $1,000, aligning with its strategy of high-end consumer electronics 4.

Most people today do not buy a $1000 VR headset. Most people buy a quest two or something like 100, $200, and that's good enough.

--- Marques Brownlee

This move could redefine the AR/VR market, especially if Apple manages to capture enterprise interest, a sector currently lacking strong competition 5.