Apple quietly put the Vision Pro on hold. Yes, the same $3,500 headset that was supposed to revolutionize how we interact with 3D digital content. Marketed as the future of “spatial computing,” it looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
But here’s the twist: this could actually be great news—for Apple and for us.
Was the World Ready for the Vision Pro Before Apple Discontinued It?
Let’s be honest. During the keynote, the Vision Pro was jaw-dropping. Cutting-edge tech, gorgeous visuals, a futuristic UI—what wasn’t to love? But once it got into the hands of real users, the shine started to wear off.
It weighed around 600 grams. That’s heavy. After an hour, it felt like wearing a brick on your face. The battery? Just okay—and you had to lug it around in your pocket. Immersive videos and work apps were fun, but there wasn’t much beyond that to justify the price.
Sharing it wasn’t easy either. Each user needed constant readjustments for comfort and fit.
Pricey and Still Finding Its Purpose
At $3,499, the price tag was a major barrier. And with a fledgling app ecosystem, there wasn’t a compelling “killer app” yet. Beyond movies and floating iMessages, people just didn’t know what to do with it.
So Apple’s decision to discontinue Vision Pro? Honestly, that’s smart.
Apple has always been more about perfecting a product than being first to market. Remember the original iPhone? It launched without an App Store. Or the iPad—people didn’t take it seriously at first. But over time, Apple refined these devices into dominant platforms.
Even Though Discontinued, Vision Pro Was a Valuable Experiment
Despite its lukewarm reception, the Vision Pro gave Apple something incredibly valuable: real-world feedback.
Now, Apple knows what users want (comfort, battery life, better apps) and what doesn’t work (bulkiness, price). It was a live test—expensive, yes, but informative.
This Could Lead to Something Better (and Cheaper)
Apple isn’t walking away from AR/VR altogether. In fact, they’re reportedly working on a lighter, more affordable headset. Think fewer features, but way more approachable—a device that regular consumers, not just developers or tech enthusiasts, might actually consider buying.
Imagine something closer to the price of an iPad Pro. Longer battery life. More apps. And maybe a design that doesn’t make you look like a futuristic scuba diver.
The Ecosystem Needs Time to Catch Up
Many called the Vision Pro a “solution in search of a problem”—and it’s not unfair. There just wasn’t enough to do with it yet.
Now, as the Apple vision Pro has been discontinued, developers have more time and better tools to create real value. By the time Apple reintroduces a headset, it could feel like a finished product instead of a very expensive prototype.
And let’s face it—Apple’s reputation is built on polish. When something doesn’t meet that bar, they’re smart to take a step back rather than force it.
Timeline: From Launch to Apple Discontinuing the Vision Pro
🔹 Early 2024 — Production Begins in Full Swing
Mass production of the Vision Pro begins, with Luxshare assembling around 2,000 units per day.
🔹 May 2024 — Production Starts Slowing Down
Component factories start halting output due to lower-than-expected demand. Warehouses begin piling up unsold parts.
🔹 Summer 2024 — Major Scale-Back
Apple reduces production significantly, believing current inventory is enough to last through 2025.
🔹 October 2024 — Clear Signs of Cutback
Production drops to 1,000 units/day. Apple notifies Luxshare to wind down production.
🔹 November 2024 — Production Stops
Luxshare officially halts assembly. While lines remain intact, Vision Pro is no longer in active production.
🔹 December 2024 — Quiet Discontinuation
The first-gen Vision Pro is unofficially discontinued. Apple pivots focus to the next phase.
🔹 Late 2024 — Shift to Lower-Cost Model
Apple pauses the second-gen Vision Pro project. Development shifts to a new, more affordable headset (target: 4 million units over its lifetime).
🔹 2025–2026 — Iterative Update in the Works
Rumors suggest a refined Vision Pro model is in development, featuring: M5 chip, Apple Intelligence integration and Reused components, expected launch: Fall 2025 to Spring 2026.
Final Thoughts
Sure, it’s a little surprising to see Apple quietly shelve such a high-profile product so quickly. But sometimes, the smartest move is to discontinue, reflect and come back stronger.
If this leads to a more practical, more affordable, and more widely adopted Apple headset, then this isn’t a failure—it’s a first step.
So don’t mourn the Vision Pro. Think of it as the foundation for something better.
