The highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro, a wearable spatial computer, is anticipated to hit the market in early 2024. However, recent reports suggest that the speculated more affordable version of this innovative device may have been scrapped, according to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In his latest Medium article, which draws insights from component suppliers, Kuo hints that Apple’s initial shipments of the mixed reality headset might be lower than initially expected for its first year. While industry forecasts had originally anticipated Apple shipping approximately one million units, Kuo’s estimate falls within a more conservative range of “up to 400,000–600,000 units.” This aligns with previous reports that had also projected a more moderate production volume.
Kuo has also indicated that the rumored budget-friendly version of the Apple Vision Pro, initially expected to launch one year after the flagship model, may have been canceled altogether. This differs from earlier reports by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who had suggested that Apple was actively working on a successor to the Apple Vision Pro, including a more cost-effective model set for release by the end of 2025.
According to Kuo’s analysis, it appears that the Apple Vision Pro 2 is unlikely to hit the market until the first half of 2027. This implies that Apple does not currently have immediate plans to introduce new spatial computers, whether they are budget-friendly or high-end, in the near future.
This shift in Apple’s wearable strategy recalls a report from July that hinted at significant reductions in production forecasts for the Apple Vision Pro. Luxshare, Apple’s Chinese contract manufacturer, was reportedly aiming to produce “less than 400,000 units” of the first-generation Apple Vision Pro within its first year.
Earlier this year, Apple unveiled its spatial computer at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and confirmed its expected launch in early 2024. During this period, Zeiss also shared details about prescription optical inserts designed for the headset.
