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At WWDC 2024, Apple announced that the Vision Pro would be launched in several countries by late June, along with new features in visionOS 2. This shows ongoing development and support for the current Vision Pro, even as plans for its successor are put on hold read more
 "Apple suspends Vision Pro 2 development, budget Mixed Reality headset is on the way")
Apple has informed at least one supplier to stop working on the next version of the high-end Vision Pro. Analysts and supply chain partners have highlighted declining sales figures as a key factor in this decision. Image Credit: Reuters
Apple’s Vision Pro recently marked its first anniversary, but it appears the high-end mixed-reality headset might be losing steam. A new report from The Information suggests that Apple has paused work on its next high-end headset, a decision influenced by reports of slowing sales for the $3,500 device.
According to The Information, Apple has informed at least one supplier to stop working on the next version of the high-end Vision Pro. Analysts and supply chain partners have highlighted declining sales figures as a key factor in this decision.
Last month, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also noted a drop in sales, indicating a broader trend affecting the headset’s market performance.
Despite these setbacks, Apple isn’t giving up on its ‘spatial computing’ ambitions. The company is reportedly developing a more affordable version of the Vision Pro, which is expected to have fewer features and be released by the end of 2025.
This shift in strategy suggests Apple is aiming to make its mixed-reality technology more accessible to a broader audience.
Initially, Apple’s Vision line was intended to have both ‘Pro’ and standard models, similar to the iPhone. While the high-end model’s development is currently on hold, The Information indicates that Apple might revisit this project in the future. This pause, however, could have significant implications for the mixed-reality headset market, potentially affecting competitors like Meta and Samsung.
Rumours are circulating about a high-end Meta Quest Pro 2 and a Samsung XR/VR headset. Meta has also announced that its Horizon OS, used in the Quest series, will be available on new headsets from Lenovo and Asus. As the Vision Pro is considered a flagship product in the high-end mixed-reality space, Apple’s reported decision might dampen enthusiasm and investment in this technology segment.
At the recent WWDC 2024, Apple announced that the Vision Pro would receive a global launch in several countries by late June, along with new features in visionOS 2. This indicates ongoing development and support for the current Vision Pro, even as plans for its successor are put on hold.
This report of halted development aligns with other recent strategic shifts at Apple, such as the reported cancellation of the Apple Car project. The hefty price tag of the Vision Pro — $3,500 — poses a challenge in economically uncertain times.
Apple’s next step seems to be addressing these issues with a cheaper, lighter Vision headset, slated for release next year. This could pave the way for a future Vision Pro 2 or a successor, which might emerge once the market conditions and product design align more favourably.
Apple’s decision to pause development on a high-end Vision Pro successor reflects the challenges and realities of the mixed-reality market. While the Vision Pro remains a groundbreaking device, its high cost and practical limitations have hindered widespread adoption. By focusing on a more affordable version, Apple aims to expand its user base and lay the groundwork for future advancements in its mixed-reality technology.
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