Apple’s response to this seems unsurprising to many observers.
Taking a different route: Following reports indicating a rapid decline in both interest and sales of Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headphones, a renowned analyst has claimed that demand has plummeted to such levels that Apple has downwardly adjusted its shipment projections for the remainder of the year. Additionally, the possibility of launching a new model in 2025 is now in doubt.
Rumors over the weekend suggested that the Vision Pro headphones, on which Apple spent eight years and billions of dollars in development, were rapidly losing ground both in terms of interest and sales.
After selling between 160,000 and 180,000 units in pre-orders during a January weekend ahead of the official launch, it was reported that Apple stores now sell only a few units per week. In-store demonstration reservations have also dwindled, and many of those who frequently make reservations don’t even show up.
Now, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has echoed those reports. He states that Cupertino has adjusted its Vision Pro shipments to between 400,000 and 450,000 units, roughly half of the originally planned 800,000 units, due to the low demand.
Kuo adds that Apple reduced orders ahead of the Vision Pro launch in markets outside the United States, where it is currently available. This suggests that demand in the United States has fallen significantly below expectations, according to the analyst, and that Apple anticipates a similar situation in other regions.
Not only are shipments affected; Kuo suggests that Apple will now adjust its headphone roadmap. It was expected that the company would launch a cheaper and lighter model in the latter half of next year to address key complaints about Vision Pro. However, Kuo raises the possibility that Apple may not introduce new headphones next year. Additionally, Apple expects a year-on-year decrease in shipments of the current Vision Pro in 2025, which is not surprising.
Despite numerous reviews considering it a technical marvel thanks to its micro-OLED display and impressive interface, Vision Pro remains a niche product. Its hefty price tag, combined with the lack of an outstanding app, makes the headphones challenging to sell to consumers beyond hardcore Apple enthusiasts, which is why Apple has begun actively promoting Vision Pro as a business product.
By: Nestor Castillo, ForAllTechNews Director