Apple has decided to pause development on the next-generation Vision Pro headset, redirecting its efforts towards a more budget-friendly model, according to a report by The Information.
Initially, Apple aimed to split its Vision product lineup into two distinct models: a high-end "Pro" version and a standard, lower-cost model. However, over the past year, the company has been gradually reducing the resources allocated to the Vision Pro's successor. The current priority is to develop a more affordable headset with reduced features.
The focus first shifted to cutting costs on the components of the initial Vision Pro model and enhancing its display for future iterations. Recently, Apple informed at least one supplier about the suspension of work on the next Vision Pro model. Efforts are now concentrated on a cost-effective "Vision" device that sacrifices some features for affordability.
Codenamed "N109," the development of this cheaper Vision headset began in 2022. Apple aims to price it similarly to a high-end iPhone, around $1,600. Initially targeted for a late 2024 release, the model has faced challenges in cost reduction without significant feature compromise, pushing its potential launch to the end of 2025 or later.
Despite the cost-cutting measures, Apple plans to retain the premium display technology used in the Vision Pro for the lower-cost model. Reports indicate that the new headset will have fewer cameras, a simpler headband design, and smaller speakers. Additionally, Apple aims to make the device at least one-third lighter than the Vision Pro.
In May, a key supplier for the Vision Pro components reduced production by 50% following Apple's forecast of lower-than-expected demand. This supplier's data indicates that Apple has produced fewer than 500,000 Vision Pro units this year, with no significant increase in production planned through August.
While Apple may revisit the development of a second-generation Vision Pro in the future, the current focus remains on bringing a more affordable Vision headset to market.
