With its 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones as well as an M2 processor and the all new R1 chip, the Apple Vision Pro is the most complex piece of consumer tech ever produced. Throw in some incredible software that ushers in the era of spatial computing and you’ve got the beginning of a new computing era. But bringing that to the market is an extremely complex process and the supply chain that underpins its production reflects this.
A report from Digitimes lists no fewer than 18 suppliers in the Vision Pro supply chain. Seven of those are from China with the remainder coming from Taiwan.
The seven Chinese suppliers are
- Luxshare – assembly and manufacturing,
- Cowell Holdings – sensor module supplier,
- Desay Battery – lithium battery and power management system supplier,
- GoerTek – speaker module supplier,
- EWPT and LY iTech – Vision Pro structural frame/casing supplier
- Zhaowei – IPD electrical focus drive system supplier
Unsurprisingly, TSMC makes the list of the Taiwanese suppliers as it makes many of Apple silicon. But there’s also Largan who supplies the camera lens module supplier, with other suppliers including GIS-KY, ASE Holdings, Pegatron, Flexium, Zhen Ding-KY, Unimicron, Kinsus, Nanya PCB, and VisEra.
While this list of 18 suppliers highlights the complexity, they are only a fraction of the entire supply chain. And, interestingly, of the anticipated USD$3499 cost Luxshare picks up around US$130 for its role in the assembly.
Of course, the cost of creating the Vision Pro is more than the itemised account of a bill of materials. Apple’s efforts at research and development, marketing, packaging and logistics all need to be added as well. And then there’s the question Apple’s margin for itself and its retailers.
When, in the next year or so, you get to try or purchase an Apple Vision Pro, take a moment to reflect on the complexity of the device – form its conception and design, through its manufacture and its journey to you.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.