Meta, a leading company in virtual reality and the metaverse, has found a new competitor in Apple that could pose challenges. Although neither of the two companies has released their new respective mixed reality glasses yet (Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3), they are already working on what the next generation can offer us.
For now, Apple has a clear goal in mind: comfort. Through various usage tests, it has been observed that the headsets cause neck strain due to their weight and size. In their next iteration, Apple aims to make the glasses feel much more comfortable, thus enhancing the user experience.
On the other hand, Meta aims to reduce the price of their upcoming headsets. The Meta Quest 3 will be released for sale on October 10th, and their cost has significantly increased compared to the previous generation, reaching 549.99 euros. Although they are much cheaper than Apple’s offerings, the tech conglomerate plans to bring the price back down to around $300. In Spain, the Meta Quest 2 with 64 GB started at 349 euros, a price that increased to 449 euros for the 128 GB version.
Apple has great faith in its Vision Pro glasses and claims they are clearly superior. Among their features, we find high-resolution cameras that allow us to ‘integrate’ with the real world. Their high performance is backed by the M2 chip, the same one found in MacBook and Mac Mini. However, the high price raises suspicions that perhaps these Vision Pro glasses are not aimed at a mass audience, at least for now.
Meanwhile, the Meta Quest 3 is a much more affordable option and is marketed as a gaming and productivity applications hub. Meta’s success in the VR glasses market works in its favor, making the brand much more established. Meta seems to have the upper hand, at least in terms of sales. However, this doesn’t mean they are far away, quietly observing Apple’s moves.
According to a source from Meta through Power On, the company is in a ‘respectful’ phase towards Apple. Specifically, it compares it to how the mobile phone industry was just before Apple launched the iPhone in 2007.
