Apple is rumored to be “sharply” reducing production of the Vision Pro, and might stop making the current version by the end of the year, according to supply chain sources.
Component makers talking to The Information claim manufacturing of the advanced mixed reality headset has scaled back significantly since the early summer, and that assembler Luxshare might need to cease production in November. There are enough parts for between 500,000 to 600,000 units, according to the insiders.
We’ve asked Apple for comment and will let you know if we hear back.
The production report, if accurate, doesn’t mean that Apple has discontinued the existing Vision Pro. However, it might indicate that Apple now has a good understanding of demand, and doesn’t believe it will need to make more headsets for months to come, if at all.
Such a move wouldn’t be surprising. While the Vision Pro is one of the most powerful mixed reality headsets, its $3,499 starting price and a relatively slim app selection have mostly limited sales to professionals and well-off enthusiasts. The weight and two-hour battery life, while not out of line, have also made it a relatively tough sell.
As it stands, rumors have also circulated of Apple releasing a more affordable Vision headset in 2025 along with an M5-powered Pro model. An end to manufacturing in 2024 theoretically helps Apple shift attention to those newer models.
There’s pressure on Apple to act. Meta is discontinuing the premium Quest Pro in favor of value-for-money headsets like the Quest 3S, but there’s still competition in the high-end space from devices ranging from the HTC Vive Focus Vision to the Varjo XR-4. In the long term, there’s also a concern that a finished version of Meta’s Orion glasses might beat Apple to the goal of truly seamless spatial computing. A shift to new Vision headsets could help Apple keep its foothold in this category.