Whether this is all true or not, why are there so many statements of "fact" in this article that are not cited? If I wanted opinions and assumptions stated as "facts" I could read MR comments. I expect more from professional articles.
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 tabled 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
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Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop
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It wasn't the price tag. Yes, it's expensive and many people can't afford it, but there are still many who can. People are spending RIDICULOUS money on all kinds of things today, so it's not like plenty of people don't have disposable income. The problem is, Apple gave us no good reason to buy it. Hanging 2D iPad windows around one's work area is....weak. They should have created an immersive 3D UI, they should have WOWED us. They didn't, so people didn't care.
Is Google Earth available on it? Could be pretty cool with a good connection.
People are quick to blame the price, and that's certainly a factor, but I just don't think that the average consumer is keen on strapping a bulky screen on their face.
jeroenvip
macrumors regular
My original post that you responded to had the direct block quote from Ternus. Here's the original source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/23/john-ternus-explains-what-he-thinks-of-apple-vision-pro/
dumastudetto
macrumors 603
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.
Very sad. I love mine but it is expensive. I use it for work and works great but impossible not to be isolating even though apple worked hard to over come that problem. But over the face stuff has always struggled.
dumastudetto
macrumors 603
Me too. I couldn't live without my AVP units.
Sir_Macs_A_Lot
macrumors 6502a
Make it much cheaper and lighter and consumers will buy it. The concept isn't what's killing this thing.
Alexander_im
macrumors regular
dumastudetto
macrumors 603
You couldn't be more right. You can tell someone has never used AVP because they'll tell you the product is useless and a complete failure.
dc455
macrumors newbie
****. I was hoping they would keep investing in it and get the price down. I tried it and loved it. But could not justify the huge price tag. I saw a future of "plugging in" and doing virtual work with it.
I have a meta quest and it is so limited compared to the Vision Pro - but the price made it a no brainer to buy.
like many others here, I agree they should have set it at maybe half the price and got it out there into the world.
I have a meta quest and it is so limited compared to the Vision Pro - but the price made it a no brainer to buy.
like many others here, I agree they should have set it at maybe half the price and got it out there into the world.
Alexander_im
macrumors regular
uacd
macrumors 68000
Well… People want smth like RayBan Meta: all-around device with many compromises and photo/video recording. They don’t really need a computer on their head, especially such impractical one. This is not a year 2000 anymore. Back then people wanted to escape reality so they chased computers and Internet. These days… people would rather escape Internet and chase reality.
Sad that Apple had to waste a lot of money on something that failed to take off. On the other hand, maybe this mistake will become a good lesson
Sad that Apple had to waste a lot of money on something that failed to take off. On the other hand, maybe this mistake will become a good lesson
roncron
macrumors 65816
A couple of you have said despite Vision Pro being a flop, it's good that Apple tried. I'm inclined to agree.
I hope they keep a team working on this, trying to figure out how to address Vision Pro's drawbacks and get the cost down. It's conceivable that the technology will advance in the coming years to the point where a much better and much more affordable successor will become a reality.
Apple is often not a leader, but when they come out with their version of something, it is usually quite good (even if there are initial stumbles, like Apple Maps).
I hope they keep a team working on this, trying to figure out how to address Vision Pro's drawbacks and get the cost down. It's conceivable that the technology will advance in the coming years to the point where a much better and much more affordable successor will become a reality.
Apple is often not a leader, but when they come out with their version of something, it is usually quite good (even if there are initial stumbles, like Apple Maps).
Was obvious before it was released. The price sealed the deal.
I read about higher end business use cases though that sounded interesting. But does it move the needle enough for Apple to maintain interest? I doubt it.
I read about higher end business use cases though that sounded interesting. But does it move the needle enough for Apple to maintain interest? I doubt it.
Sad, but predictable. It's a fancy, glossy R&D project that wasn't ready for the mass market.
Doubtful. Quest is much cheaper and people aren't really buying that either. Most people aren't interested in strapping a computer to their face. There are certainly plenty of niche special use cases for a product like Vision Pro, but for the average consumer who is happy with a 13" laptop screen or iPad, what advantages does Vision Pro offer? None.
uacd
macrumors 68000
It is way too premium to sell at lower price. Most people don’t want or need such power and all that spatial nonsense. It is simply not possible with current technology. Making it a 1000$ device would require to bring super cheap tech inside: cheaper processor (A series, not flagship M chip), lower resolution displays, potentially not even OLED, simple cameras like in RayBan Meta. On the other hand, battery life will be very good and they will be much lighter. However there is hardly any market for it. Again, majority of people are used to do their work on smartphones and computers, they don’t want to wear some helmets for that
Amazing Iceman
macrumors 603
Regardless, it’s an amazing device.
Smart glasses are not going to cut it unless the immersion level is similar or better.
Smart glasses are not going to cut it unless the immersion level is similar or better.
That’s my problem with it. I wouldn’t buy one for $50 because I have worn one to try it out and I hate the concept and feeling of it.
