Apple cuts production of Vision Pro due to low demand
Apple would cut production of the Vision Pro in half. Low interest in spatial computing glasses has dropped sharply in recent weeks, prompting the company to adjust its expectations.
According to the latest report from Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst who usually has reliable information on the production chain in Asia, demand for the Vision Pro was weaker than expected. Kuo says that Apple has cut 2024 shipments to between 400,000 and 450,000 units. This figure is much lower than what was requested by suppliers, who have increased their production capacity by 700-800,000 units.
Kuo already foresaw a drop in sales. The analyst noted in February that demand for Vision Pro exceeded Apple’s expectations, however The United States has already experienced a decline. This may be due to the high price of the device, which reaches $3,499 in the basic configuration, as well as availability, limited to one country.
In his latest analysis, Ming-Chi Kuo adds that Apple takes a conservative view of the future of Vision Pro. The technology company will be adjusting its product roadmap and expects sales to fall year on year. Low demand also affected the release of new models, including the cheap version.
Kuo’s statements coincide with what Mark Gurman reported a few days ago. Journalist Bloomberg said The number of visits from Vision Pro testers has dropped sharply, starting with a couple per day to several throughout the week. Some users didn’t even show up for pre-scheduled in-person demos.
The fall of Vision Pro will affect the development of other technologies
Low demand for Vision Pro may have a negative impact on the development of new technologies. One of them is Micro-OLED, a display technology designed for small screens that provides better image quality and resolution not found in mobile phones. “As key applications do not grow as expected, the timeline for mass production and adoption of Micro-OLED in other small consumer electronics devices will be delayed,” Kuo said.
It’s hard to predict how much momentum the Vision Pro will have when it officially launches in Asia and Europe. Apple will be finalizing details for the mass rollout of its augmented reality glasses in China. Other countries on the list are Canada and the UK, and Spain and the rest of the European Union will receive Vision Pro in early 2025..
Slow sales aren’t the only obstacle Apple faces. One of the most common problems with virtual or mixed reality glasses is the lack of engagement users. Models like Meta Quest They lose relevance in just six monthsas reported Wall Street Magazine. Apple needs to step on the gas pedal to offer content optimized for the Vision Pro, otherwise owners will get tired and end up returning them.
We may not see the Apple Vision Pro 2 anytime soon. Apple has already considered a slower update cycle. A drop in interest may further affect his development.