Apple Vision Pro: Repairability Woes and Cheaper Display Options

July 5, 2024, 9:34 pm
Sony Electronics
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A deep dive into the repairability issues faced by Apple's Vision Pro and the upcoming release of a cheaper version with a bigger display but lower resolution.

Apple's Vision Pro, a high-end wearable, has been in the spotlight recently for all the wrong reasons. A recent analysis by the US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) revealed that the Vision Pro scored a dismal 0 points in terms of user-repairability. This raises concerns about the accessibility of repair manuals, spare parts, and critical repair materials for this device.

The PIRG report highlighted the challenges consumers face when trying to repair their Vision Pro, with a lack of repair manuals and spare parts being major roadblocks. This is particularly concerning given that New York's Digital Fair Repair Act mandates that consumer electronics brands provide consumers with access to diagnostic tools, parts, and repair manuals.

In addition to the repairability issues, Apple is also gearing up to release a cheaper version of the Vision Pro. This new iteration will feature a bigger display but with a lower resolution, in a bid to make the device more affordable for consumers. The use of OLEDoS panels from different manufacturers, such as LG Display and Samsung Display, will help bring down the cost of the device.

The original Vision Pro boasted OLEDoS panels from Sony, which contributed to its hefty price tag. By opting for panels with a lower pixel density, Apple aims to offer a more budget-friendly option for users. This move aligns with reports suggesting that Apple is planning to deliver a more affordable Vision Pro in the near future.

While the original Vision Pro was equipped with top-of-the-line components and carried a premium price tag, the upcoming cheaper version will focus on cost-effective features. By utilizing a Mac-grade chipset and eliminating the outside screen, Apple plans to offer the device at a significantly lower price point.

Overall, the juxtaposition of the repairability challenges faced by the current Vision Pro model and the upcoming release of a more affordable version with a bigger display but lower resolution paints a complex picture of Apple's wearable lineup. As consumers await the arrival of the new Vision Pro variant, it remains to be seen how Apple will address the repairability concerns highlighted by the PIRG report.