Apple has reportedly halted the development of its Vision Pro headsets, shifting its focus towards smart glasses. Initially introduced in 2023 as a groundbreaking step in “spatial computing,” the Vision Pro was aimed at premium users with its high price and innovative design. However, enthusiasm waned faster than anticipated, leading to significant changes in Apple’s development plans.
The company initially planned to release a more affordable and lighter version, the “Vision Air,” to appeal to mainstream consumers. This model aimed to cut costs and weight significantly, while a second-generation Vision Pro was expected to offer enhanced features and a lower price. However, by mid-2024, Apple redirected its resources towards the Vision Air, acknowledging the limited appeal of the original Vision Pro due to its cost and bulkiness.
Recent reports indicate that Apple has now paused work on both the Vision Air and a redesigned Vision Pro, as it accelerates efforts on smart glasses to compete with Meta. Meanwhile, Apple plans to update the existing Vision Pro with the new M5 chip and other enhancements, using leftover components from the first-generation model. This updated version is expected to launch soon, but it may not significantly broaden the device’s appeal.
Apple is anticipated to introduce its first smart glasses next year, potentially revisiting the Vision Air and Vision Pro projects once this new initiative is underway. As it stands, Apple’s headset lineup may face uncertainty in the coming years, with outdated models still on the market and no clear successors in sight. Despite these shifts, Apple’s commitment to mixed reality remains evident through ongoing software updates and hardware refreshes, though the direction of its product line in the face of new priorities is uncertain.
