Microsoft’s next big product could be an Apple Vision Pro competitor

Apple and Meta are two of the most prominent brands in the mobile VR headset space, with mixed reality products aimed at different budgets and needs. While Apple’s solution uses more expensive materials, the Meta Quest addresses the Vision Pro’s biggest problem: its exorbitant price tag. So those looking for a premium experience will generally opt for the Fruit-branded headset, while budget-conscious shoppers will opt for the Meta’s. Luckily for enthusiasts looking for even more options from reputable brands, Microsoft will reportedly launch an Apple Vision Pro rival as early as next year.

According to The Elec (via Brad Lynch on Twitter), Samsung Display is supplying Microsoft with hundreds of thousands of micro-OLED panels for an upcoming Apple Vision Pro rival. The mixed-reality headset will reportedly focus on entertainment tasks like gaming and watching movies. If Microsoft moves forward with its plans, it could release the product next year at the earliest.

Following the Vision Pro’s release, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg explicitly marketed the Quest as a better alternative. The company also rolled out a few quality-of-life software updates to make the headset more appealing to undecided customers. Meanwhile, low demand for the Vision Pro hasn’t lived up to Apple’s expectations, and the company is reportedly aiming to release a cheaper variant by the end of next year.

With Meta and Apple quickly trying to learn from each other’s mistakes in this area, it will be interesting to see what Microsoft has to offer. Other than Samsung Display supplying the micro-OLED panels and a possible release later this year, not much is known about the headset rumors. Will it take inspiration from the progress of its rivals and manage to hit the right note first time? We’ll have to wait and see.