Vivo is setting its sights on the mixed reality space, ready to go toe-to-toe with Apple’s Vision Pro, despite the latter’s underwhelming sales figures. At an event today, Vivo revealed plans to launch its mixed reality (MR) headset next year.

The headset is expected to debut as a prototype in September or October, and Vivo promises it will pack features that could outshine Apple’s Vision Pro. While impressive on paper, it’s worth noting that by the time Vivo’s device is unveiled, the Vision Pro will have been on the market for over a year and a half—making it less groundbreaking to surpass an older product.

Dedicated Team and Growing Ambitions

Vivo seems to be taking its MR ambitions seriously, as evidenced by its growing team of 500 members dedicated to the project. The company appears confident that mixed reality will become a significant niche, even in the wake of Apple’s lukewarm sales performance. Vivo’s key to success might lie in delivering a similar or superior experience to the Vision Pro but at a far more competitive price point, which could attract more buyers.

Prototype Rollouts and Market Readiness

The MR headset will undergo extensive testing, with “high-fidelity prototype experiences” planned for several Chinese cities by late 2025. However, its commercial release date remains uncertain. Vivo executives have emphasized that the launch timeline will depend on the readiness of the supporting content ecosystem.

If Vivo manages to strike the right balance between advanced features and affordability, the company could position itself as a strong contender in the emerging MR market.