Apple’s Vision Pro Might Be Discontinued

Apple might be ready to hit pause on its Vision Pro headset production by the end of 2024, according to Mac Rumours. The tech giant has reportedly scaled back production of the Vision Pro since early summer, suggesting that Apple has stocked enough units to meet any remaining demand. Citing sources directly connected to Vision Pro’s component manufacturing, the report highlights that the reduction was made to prevent excess inventory in the face of underwhelming demand.

The Vision Pro has faced mixed reception since its announcement, with many pointing to its steep price tag and limited content as factors curbing interest. *The Information* claims that Vision Pro suppliers have already manufactured parts for approximately 500,000 to 600,000 units. This overstock issue prompted some factories to halt production as early as May, with reports indicating warehouses packed with unused components.

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In a move that signals even more slowdown, Apple has reportedly notified Luxshare, the Chinese company assembling the Vision Pro, that production might need to be “wound down” by November. Production currently stands at about 1,000 units per day—half of Luxshare’s previous output at peak times. However, Apple can still resume production if demand picks up, as the production lines have not been dismantled.

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Interestingly, Apple has also put its second-generation Vision Pro plans on hold, with a reported focus on developing a more affordable headset instead. This lower-cost model could be produced at around four million units over its entire lifespan, half of the initial production target Apple had set for the Vision Pro. This shift indicates that Apple’s expectations for the budget model might be even lower than for its high-end counterpart.

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While second-gen Vision Pro developments are paused, sources suggest Apple may release a smaller update for the Vision Pro with only minimal design tweaks, like a chip upgrade. This would allow the company to make use of the existing backlog of components without undertaking a full redesign.

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Apple’s reduced Vision Pro production and the shift toward a cheaper headset highlight a broader industry challenge: how to bridge the gap between premium product innovation and real consumer demand. As the Vision Pro nears its end, the future of Apple’s headset line looks to be leaning toward accessible pricing over cutting-edge, high-cost designs. This change in strategy could be Apple’s attempt to gain traction in the wearable tech space by attracting a wider consumer base rather than only early adopters.

For now, Apple’s focus on inventory management and strategic product shifts may reflect a need to balance the Vision Pro’s ambitions with market realities, paving the way for a potentially more affordable line of Apple wearables in the near future.