Apple (AAPL.O) has suspended work on its next high-end Vision headset, according to a report by The Information on Tuesday, citing an employee at a manufacturer that produces key components for the Vision Pro. The iPhone maker is still aiming to release a more affordable Vision product with fewer features by the end of next year, as per sources involved in its supply chain and manufacturing. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The company plans to sell its Vision Pro in eight new countries, including China and Japan, in an effort to boost sales of the $3,500 device, which has seen slower demand following initial enthusiasm. A logo is pictured outside the Apple Fifth Avenue store as Apple’s Vision Pro headset is presented there, in Manhattan in New York City, U.S., February 2, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
Earlier this month, Apple held its annual developer conference, where it unveiled its long-awaited AI strategy and announced a partnership with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. The event has also boosted Apple’s shares, which have now risen over 11% so far this year after trailing behind their Big-Tech peers at the start of the year due to softer iPhone demand in China.
Apple had originally planned to divide its Vision product into two models, similar to the standard and Pro versions of its iPhone, according to the report. The company has been reducing priority for the successor to the Vision Pro over the past year, assigning fewer employees to work on the next model while focusing on reducing the costs of the first-generation’s components, the report added.
