What Happened to Apple Vision Pro? A Deep Dive into Its Journey and Future

The Rise and Pause of Apple Vision Pro: What’s Going On?

Apple Vision Pro was introduced with great fanfare in mid-2023 as Apple’s revolutionary spatial computer, blending digital content with the physical world like never before. However, by late 2024, Apple had quietly scaled back production and reportedly ended manufacturing of the original Vision Pro model. So, what exactly happened to the Apple Vision Pro, and where is this ambitious device headed next? Let’s explore the journey of the Vision Pro, why its adoption faced hurdles, and what Apple has planned for its future.

Apple Vision Pro: A Groundbreaking Debut

When Apple unveiled Vision Pro at WWDC 2023, it positioned the device as a paradigm shift in computing. Unlike traditional VR or AR headsets, Vision Pro is a spatial computer designed to seamlessly blend augmented reality with real-world surroundings.

Key Features That Stunned Tech Enthusiasts

Display: Dual micro-OLED displays pack an astonishing 23 million pixels, delivering ultra-high resolution and vivid colors.
Chips: Powered by a dual-chip setup — an M2 chip for computing and a specialized R1 chip for real-time sensor data processing.
Sensors: 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones enable precise eye tracking, hand gestures, and spatial audio.
Design: Custom catadioptric lenses and ZEISS Optical Inserts for users needing vision correction.
Battery Life: Up to two hours of wireless use with an external battery pack, or all-day use while plugged in.

This blend of advanced hardware made the Vision Pro a marvel of engineering and a glimpse into the future of personal computing.

Why Did Apple Stop Producing the Vision Pro in 2024?

Despite the hype and technical achievements, Apple ceased production by the end of 2024 after scaling back since mid-year. Several factors contributed to this:

High Price Point: At launch, Vision Pro was Apple’s most expensive product, making it less accessible to mainstream consumers.
Niche Use Cases: Its software ecosystem, although impressive, was limited in scope, restricting daily practical applications for many users.
Comfort and Usability: Extended wear caused discomfort for some, limiting it as an all-day device.
Market Readiness: The spatial computing market is still in a nascent stage, and consumer adoption of mixed reality devices is evolving gradually.

These challenges meant that while Vision Pro was technologically impressive, it did not yet fit into the daily lives of most users, prompting Apple to pause and rethink the product’s evolution.

What’s Next? Apple’s Vision Pro Roadmap

Apple is not abandoning spatial computing. Instead, it is preparing a strategic update and future product line expansion.

The Vision Pro Refresh Coming Late 2025 or Early 2026

Chip Upgrade: The next Vision Pro model will replace the M2 chip with a more powerful M5 chip, enhancing performance without major external changes.
Minor Design Tweaks: There could be subtle cosmetic updates like a new “space black” color option, although the core form factor will remain similar.

This refresh aims to sustain and improve the Vision Pro experience while Apple builds momentum for larger changes.

Vision Air and Second-Generation Vision Pro by 2027-2028

Vision Air: A rumored lower-cost, lighter headset targeting wider consumer adoption is expected by 2027.
Second-Generation Vision Pro: A full redesign with reduced weight, a more powerful Mac-class chip, and a lower price might arrive in late 2028.

Apple’s roadmap suggests a gradual unfolding of its spatial computing vision, starting with incremental updates and culminating in more accessible and powerful devices.

User Experience: What Does the Vision Pro Feel Like Today?

After a year on the market, users and reviewers recognize that the Vision Pro is a remarkable device but not yet a daily essential for many.

Highlights

Immersive Media and Experiences: Users praise its ability to deliver stunning media experiences and a new way to interact with digital content.
Intuitive Inputs: Eye and hand tracking work seamlessly, making navigation feel natural.
UI and Design: The user interface is beautiful and thoughtfully crafted for spatial computing.

Limitations

Limited Software Ecosystem: The relative scarcity of apps and content limits broader use.
Comfort Issues: Wearing the headset for long sessions can cause fatigue.
Price Barrier: Its premium cost restricts ownership to enthusiasts and professionals.

Overall, Vision Pro is a peek at the future—exciting but with room to grow.

How Does Vision Pro Compare to Other Mixed Reality Devices?

Feature	Apple Vision Pro	Competitors (Meta Quest, etc.)
Display	Dual micro-OLED, 23M pixels	Lower resolution LCD/OLED panels
Processor	M2 + R1 chips	Snapdragon XR chips
Price	Premium (~$3,499+)	Mid-range to affordable
Spatial Audio	Personalized, environment-aware	Basic spatial audio
Software Ecosystem	Limited but growing	Larger, more established
Comfort	Premium materials, some discomfort	Generally lighter, but less premium build

Apple’s Vision Pro stands apart with its display quality, chip power, and spatial computing ambition but lags in ecosystem maturity and affordability.

Should You Buy Apple Vision Pro Now?

If you’re an early adopter or developer eager to explore spatial computing, the Vision Pro remains an unparalleled experience. However, for average consumers, waiting for the 2025 refresh or the more affordable Vision Air in 2027 might be wise.

You can find the current Vision Pro on Apple’s official website or check availability on Amazon.in and Flipkart India.

Final Thoughts: Vision Pro’s Journey Is Just Beginning

Apple Vision Pro embodies a bold step into spatial computing, blending hardware innovation and software design like no other device before it. While its initial version faced pricing and usability challenges, Apple’s planned upgrades and product expansions hint at a bright future for the Vision lineup.

The Vision Pro today is a technology marvel that offers a glimpse of what’s possible, but it’s the next few years of innovation that will determine if Apple’s spatial computer vision becomes an everyday tool or remains a niche marvel.

Are you excited about Apple’s spatial computing future? Keep an eye on the upcoming Vision Pro refresh and the rumored Vision Air—2025 and beyond promise to be an exciting ride for Apple fans and tech enthusiasts alike!