Apple’s Vision Pro is easily one of the most exciting products of 2024, and it’s been a long time coming. Apple’s limited launch and delayed release in Europe finally made me reconsider. I’m still testing the device when it’s finally available in the EU, and while the Apple Store demo blew my mind, I’m still not ready to make a purchase.
The biggest limitation is the Apple Account limitation. Add in the starting price of $3,499, and the Vision Pro doesn’t look that appealing.
I still think the spatial computing experience that Apple has created is a key building block of the AI computing experience to come. Apple still needs to add Apple Intelligence to Vision Pro, but that will happen soon.
Meanwhile, with 2024 just around the corner, Apple may stop producing new Vision Pro units. The spatial computer is still in stock, but with production discontinued or about to be discontinued, the Vision Pro may sell out in some regions in the next few months.
Apple could not confirm that the Vision Pro manufacturing line is closed. But MacRumors considering recent reports from Information that said Apple has reduced production abruptly back in October. The company is said to be planning to stop making the first generation device by the end of 2024.
Apple reportedly began cutting production during the summer, but not before making sure it would have enough stock until the end of 2025. The report also said some suppliers may stop making new components sooner, until May 2023.
Parts suppliers may have supplied Apple with enough components to produce between 500,000 and 600,000 Vision Pro units. As for last fall’s production capacity, Luxshare is believed to have assembled around 1,000 Vision Pro headsets per day in October, half of the company’s peak level.
Assembly lines will not be dismantled immediately, Apple is reportedly ready to restart production if sales pick up. I don’t see how that can happen, though. Apple made improvements to visionOS that make spatial computing more interesting. Apple Intelligence should also come soon, but I can’t see how the demand for Vision Pro can increase at this time.
After all, Apple is also reportedly working on a cheaper Vision Pro variant. It is unclear when the device will be launched or whether it will precede the next flagship model. The Vision Pro 2 refresh featuring updated hardware could launch in spring 2026.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Vision Pro 2 uses some of Apple’s already available parts inventory. The company could also use its existing production line for the new device as much of the hardware should be the same as the first generation model.
Regardless of Apple’s plans for new hardware, the company still needs to understand why spatial computing should be a must-have device for end users. If that happens, and the price goes down, the Vision Pro demand can be met.
