Apple reportedly might end production of the Vision Pro by the end of the year. That doesn’t mean the mixed-reality headset is about to be discontinued, however.
Still, Cupertino apparently now has its focus on the cheaper Vision version that could launch in 2025.
Vision Pro production slowing
Vision Pro is Apple’s first foray into what the company calls “spatial computing.” The headset focuses on augmented reality, which overlays computer-generated content onto the real world, though it offers virtual reality, too. And there are many other features — it can be a desktop Mac replacement. While its bleeding-edge technology draws praise, the $3,500 price remains a drawback.
The product launched in the United States in February and appeared in other countries in Asia and Europe in subsequent months. But rather than demand scaling up, it appears to be going the opposite direction.
“Apple has sharply scaled back production of its Vision Pro mixed reality headset since the early summer and could stop making the existing version of the device entirely by year end,” reported The Information on Wednesday.
If this is true, don’t expect the product to disappear from Apple’s product lineup. Ending production means the company has enough inventory stocked up to hold it until the replacement comes along.
Looking ahead to Vision Air
Multiple reports point to Apple now being hard at work on a more affordable version of the AR headset. To reduce the cost, the upcoming model will allegedly use a lower-resolution display, slower processor, and drop the EyeSight feature.
That might get the cost down to $2,000, a price that Apple supposedly hopes will double demand when the product — perhaps called Vision Air — launches in 2025.
The move isn’t unprecedented. Apple reportedly made every unit of the original HomePod before the device launched. And when the smart speaker didn’t become a breakout success at $349, Apple introduced the cheaper HomePod mini.
A true successor/replacement for the original Vision Pro is reportedly coming in 2026.
