Apple Inc. is set to release a new Belkin Head Strap designed for its first-generation mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro’s Solo Knit band. Priced at $49.95, the strap offers enhanced comfort and stability with a secure locking mechanism and additional stabilization points. This head strap is similar to the one Apple showcased at WWDC last year, which never made it to market. Instead, Apple introduced a cheaper Dual Loop band that lacked the same mesh fabric as the Solo Knit band.
The upcoming Belkin Head Strap is expected to be well-received by users who appreciate the comfort of the Solo Knit band but desire additional support on top of their head. Brad Lynch, manager at EOZ VR, initially shared this information on X (formerly Twitter), and it was subsequently reported by 9To5Mac.
The release of this new accessory is significant for Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which has faced criticism for its heavy weight, high price tag, and issues with overheating. Apple has been actively working to address these concerns and make the device more accessible to the mainstream market. Earlier reports suggested that Apple was struggling to develop a cheaper version of the Vision Pro, but recent rumors indicate that the company has scaled back production of the $3,500 headset and is planning a more affordable model for 2025.
In the competitive mixed reality space, Apple’s rival Meta Platforms Inc. recently canceled its own headset project, which was intended to rival the Vision Pro. The competition between Apple and Meta escalated after Apple launched its $3,499 headset last year. In response, Meta positioned its $499 Quest 3 headset as a budget-friendly alternative focused on gaming and social engagement. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously refuted allegations that their devices would regress in terms of weight, motion blur, and precision inputs.