Recent reports indicate that Apple has halted development on its Vision Pro headset, shifting its focus towards smart glasses instead. The company initially launched the Vision Pro in mid-2023, positioning it as a groundbreaking device in “spatial computing” with a starting price of $3,499.
Despite its ambitious introduction, interest in the Vision Pro declined more quickly than Apple anticipated. The company’s original multi-year roadmap for the headset appears to have collapsed, leading to a reevaluation of its product strategy.
Following the Vision Pro’s launch, Apple reportedly began developing a more affordable model, the “Vision Air.” This new headset aimed to reduce weight and cost significantly, making mixed-reality technology more accessible to mainstream consumers.
By mid-2024, Apple was reorganizing its plans, with reports suggesting that development on the Vision Pro 2 had been suspended. Instead, resources were redirected to expedite the Vision Air’s release, as the original Vision Pro struggled to attract a wider audience.
In October, supply chain leaks indicated that production of the Vision Pro was winding down due to low demand. The original model is believed to have ceased production by the end of the year.
<pA recent report from Bloomberg revealed that Apple has also paused work on the Vision Air, focusing instead on developing smart glasses to compete with Meta. If these reports are accurate, there are currently no headset models in active development at Apple.
As Apple prepares to introduce its M5 chip family, the existing Vision Pro will receive a hardware refresh. This update is expected to keep the device relevant for a few more years, but it may not significantly enhance its appeal. Apple is anticipated to launch its first smart glasses as early as next year, which could influence future developments in its headset lineup.
