Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop

[Abazigal]

And then Apple proceeds to announce updates for the Vision Pro during WWDC 2026.

I see no named sources in the article, it contradicts earlier statements about Apple being excited about spatial computing, their continued investment in immersive video and the idea that a simple M5 chip refresh would somehow propel the Vision Pro into mainstream success.

Apple is in it for the long run, and the Vision Pro is not going anywhere.

I don't know whether to feel amused or dismayed that there are over 300 comments dogging on the vision pro in this thread over what is almost certainly a false rumour. This, together with the other thread on Apple dropping MagSafe, makes the timing sounds incredibly suspicious.

A little common sense goes a very long way. 😏

 

[brettrusty]

They have tons of jobs they're hiring for that specifically mention the Vision Pro, this doesn't seem likely.

 

[turbineseaplane]

They have tons of jobs they're hiring for that specifically mention the Vision Pro, this doesn't seem likely.

Perhaps they are starting over from scratch and we'll see the fruits of that in a few years?

(the normal timeline for Apple).

 

[1d1otic]

Told ya, it's a total failure and yet none of you ever listened.

 

[triumvirate]

What if you are wrong?

Wrong about what? I hated having the thing on my face. I truly would not spend $50 to own one. I wouldn't spend $1 to own one; I really do not like the thing being on my face.

 

[MrWayne]

All these negative news are made up by Meta.

 

[imanidiot]

Apple has all but given up on the Vision Pro after the M5 model failed to revitalize interest in the device, MacRumors has learned. Apple updated the Vision Pro with a faster M5 chip and a more comfortable band in October 2025, but there were no other hardware changes, and consumers still weren't interested.

The Vision Pro has been criticized for its high price tag and its uncomfortable weight. The device is over 1.3 pounds, and even with the more comfortable Dual Knit Band that Apple added to redistribute weight, it continues to be hard to wear for long periods of time. The M5 chip added a 120Hz refresh rate, 10 percent more rendered pixels, and around 30 additional minutes of battery life, but the price tag stayed at $3,499, and it ended up not selling well.

The Vision Pro has been unpopular since it first launched, and Apple only sold around 600,000 units in total. Insider sources told MacRumors that Apple has received an unusually high percentage of returns, far exceeding any other modern Apple product.

Apple has apparently stopped work on the Vision Pro and the Vision Pro team has been redistributed to other teams within Apple. Some former Vision Pro team members are working on Siri, which is not a surprise as Vision Pro chief Mike Rockwell has been leading the Siri team since March 2025.

There have been mixed rumors about a new Vision Pro over the last couple of years, with Apple rumored to be working on a lighter-weight Vision Air that's much cheaper, but the project was stopped last year. If Apple finds a way to create a much cheaper, more comfortable VR headset in the future, the Vision Pro line could be revived, but right now, the company has no plans to launch a new model. Apple has not discontinued the Vision Pro and is continuing to sell the M5 model.

Instead of continuing to experiment with virtual reality, Apple is working on smart glasses that will eventually incorporate augmented reality capabilities, but the first version will be similar to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses with AI and no integrated display.

Apple has not been able to use the technology developed for the Vision Pro in its smart glasses because that tech draws too much power for a smaller, lighter device.

Article Link: Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop

Yet another triumph for Tim Cook! What a bloody visionary!

 

[turbineseaplane]

All these negative news are made up by Meta.

So your theory is that Meta is feeding bad info to MacRumors?

Apple has all but given up on the Vision Pro after the M5 model failed to revitalize interest in the device, MacRumors has learned.

 

[jjrtiger]

I still use mine quite often. I bought it to use while I was facing a long post-op surgical recovery.
Number one use case is a portable large screen monitor for my MBP anywhere I go. YouTube just released an app. TV streaming is awesome. Trading (stocks) is also a major use case.

I knew going into it that it wasn’t a device targeted for the average consumer/mass production; it is a glimpse of the future. I think Apple did a phenomenal job on the OS, especially eye/hand controls and multitasking.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I still use mine quite often. Number one use case is a portable large screen monitor for my MBP anywhere I go. YouTube just released an app. TV streaming is awesome.

I knew going into it that it wasn’t a device targeted for the average consumer/mass production; it is a glimpse of the future. I think Apple did a phenomenal job on the OS, especially eye/hand controls and multitasking.

I would argue it's a glimpse at something different.

It being "the future" is very much in question, particularly in anything like its current form factor.

 

[tarkeybear]

One last positive I will share on behalf of the AVP (which I own and love) is that if you shoot panoramas, this is the cat's pajamas! A lot of people get excited about the spatial photos (which to me are cool but kind of gimmicky) but panoramas on an iPhone or a Mac with a big screen were seriously "meh".
Panoramas on an AVP truly take you back to a place as you turn your head back and forth, up and down and fall into that place in time. I will truly miss this experience if no alternative comes to replace it before the AVP is unsupported.

If you haven't experienced Panoramas on AVP, try to hit an Apple Store if they are still scheduling demos, most impressive!

 

[jjrtiger]

I would argue it's a glimpse at something different.

It being "the future" is very much in question, particularly in anything like its current form factor.

Absolutely. The Vision Pro provided Apple with invaluable R&D. They now have a relatively mature version of iOS for Spacial Computing and manufacturing experience for future products. I would bet that whatever shape or form the hardware takes, apps will be compatible with today’s VP headsets.

 

[bryo]

And then Apple proceeds to announce updates for the Vision Pro during WWDC 2026.

I see no named sources in the article, it contradicts earlier statements about Apple being excited about spatial computing, their continued investment in immersive video and the idea that a simple M5 chip refresh would somehow propel the Vision Pro into mainstream success.

Apple is in it for the long run, and the Vision Pro is not going anywhere.

I don't know whether to feel amused or dismayed that there are over 300 comments dogging on the vision pro in this thread over what is almost certainly a false rumour. This, together with the other thread on Apple dropping MagSafe, makes the timing sounds incredibly suspicious.

A little common sense goes a very long way. 😏

Yeah like what does this mean? No new models, now new OS? Because 27 is coming soon… where’s the source? Gurman making vague statements? What about long term support for existing models?

Either way I will continue to enjoy mine, but this article is useless.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I see no named sources in the article

A source inside Apple that would know about this will NEVER (repeat, NEVER) go on the record.

What your asking for as "proof" is literally impossible here.

 

[jbc25]

AVP is the best damn product Apple has ever made. This isn't over. I truly believe we're on the cusp of some incredible breakthrough experiences.

I would hope so. But it's been a minute since it was released and they've done almost nothing with it. Which is bizarre. This should have been like the iPhone rollout. We should have at least the equivalent of the iPhone 3GS or 4 at this point, but they've chosen to just let it sit and rot.

 

[SSDGUY]

Rich kid toy.

 

[danielceleste]

Are we sure their intention with the M5 model specifically was to ... "revitalize interest?" They didn't put any effort into tangible features or even marketing for it. I can see why they might be contemplating giving up, but it being because of the new model (that wasn't even new) seems tangential.

 

[jjrtiger]

One last positive I will share on behalf of the AVP (which I own and love) is that if you shoot panoramas, this is the cat's pajamas! A lot of people get excited about the spatial photos (which to me are cool but kind of gimmicky) but panoramas on an iPhone or a Mac with a big screen were seriously "meh".
Panoramas on an AVP truly take you back to a place as you turn your head back and forth, up and down and fall into that place in time. I will truly miss this experience if no alternative comes to replace it before the AVP is unsupported.

If you haven't experienced Panoramas on AVP, try to hit an Apple Store if they are still scheduling demos, most impressive!

Yes, this is a killer feature. Looking at panoramic photos is an incredible immersive experience and the nostalgia it brings while looking at older panoramic photos is truly remarkable.

 

[nikhsub1]

Hate to say i told you so...

 

[Androne]

Can try $2000 Apple Underwear. Maybe people will buy..

 

[Reason077]

Bigger disaster than Apple Maps.

Well that’s the thing about Apple Maps: it may have been a disaster when it launched, but they kept plugging away at it and now, years later, it’s actually very good.

Vision Pro was never going to be a mass-market hit at $3500. But if they can one day get the same tech into a $1000 device that’s more comfortable and practical then it will be very successful. I can’t imagine Apple giving up on AR.

 

[kurtfoster]

Too bad the social aspect of it is pretty much zero.

 

[Reason077]

Apple only sold around 600,000 units in total.

600,000 units actually seems pretty good for such a niche and expensive product. That’s more than $2B in revenue: A lot of startups in similar fields would be thrilled to sell even 1/10th of that!

Maybe the real issue is that Apple’s estimates and expectations are out of touch with reality, distorted by thinking about everything at “iPhone scale”.

 

[dba415]

The worst part is that they convinced Samsung to make VR headsets too. Talk about wasting money and resources.

 

[turbineseaplane]

600,000 units actually seems pretty good for such a niche and expensive product. That’s more than $2B in revenue: A lot of startups in similar fields would be thrilled to sell even 1/10th of that!

Maybe the real issue is the Apple’s estimates and expectations are out of touch with reality, distorted by thinking about everything at “iPhone scale”.

Do we know about the number of returns?

Or how much they sunk into developing it and/or their margins on it?

They basically don't axe things that are a success.