As the new year approaches, the days may be numbered for Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Recent reports suggest that production of this high-end device might cease by the end of the year due to its daunting price point and limited market impact. Initially, Apple had anticipated a certain level of units to be shipped this year, but sales have underperformed. Not to worry, Apple fans, as the tech giant is already planning to launch a more budget-friendly version by 2025 in hopes of reviving interest in their headset line.
Suppliers have already churned out enough components to assemble up to 600,000 units of the Apple Vision Pro. However, with demand falling short, stockpiles lie untouched in warehouses, with some production lines halting as early as May this year. Faced with warehouses still brimming with undelivered parts, Apple is now gearing up for a strategic pivot.
Shifting its focus to a more affordable head-mounted wearable, Apple intends to roll out a less expensive version of the Vision Pro. Although precise launch details have not been disclosed, insiders predict this new model could be priced around $2,000, a significant drop from the hefty $3,499 price tag of the original Vision Pro base model. But potential buyers should be prepared for certain compromises: the lower-priced model may feature a plastic build and swap out the powerful M-series chipset for a less impressive A-series option.
There are whispers in the tech world that the new model will sport a display with a pixel density of 1,500 PPI, notably less than the current Vision Pro’s breathtaking 3,386 PPI. Although indisputably lavish and advanced, the Vision Pro apparently hasn’t captured the hearts (or wallets) of enough consumers. Despite the sluggish sales, Apple CEO Tim Cook has openly stated that the Vision Pro was always intended for a niche market, aiming to attract those eager to experience cutting-edge technology firsthand.
With fewer than 100,000 units reportedly shipped in the U.S., it’s evident that the futuristic device has struggled to gain mainstream traction. But on a brighter note for Apple, this shift allows for a reallocation of resources to upcoming projects, such as the anticipated release of the new M4 Macs.
While the Vision Pro’s luxe era may be nearing its end, the innovation at Apple shows no signs of slowing down. Keep an eye out for what’s next as they continue their journey into the future of technology.
