Apple has shelved the Vision Pro after an M5 chip refresh launched last October failed to generate consumer interest, MacRumors reports. The Vision Pro team has been disbanded and its members reassigned across other divisions, with no successor headset currently in development.
The update introduced the M5 chip and a Dual Knit Band, enhancing refresh rate to 120Hz, increasing rendered pixels by 10%, and adding approximately 30 minutes to battery life. Despite these advancements, the product’s price remained steady at $3,499, and sales stagnated significantly.
The return rate for the M5 Vision Pro has been reported as “unusually high,” exceeding returns for any other Apple product. Sources indicate that work on new Vision Pro models has ceased, although the company continues to offer the M5 version for sale.
Former team members of the Vision Pro project are transitioning into other initiatives, including development of Siri and related projects, led by Vision Pro chief Mike Rockwell. The Vision Products Group was disbanded about a year ago, with staff reallocated to software and hardware engineering divisions.
The Vision Pro, launched in February 2024, faced criticism for its weight, limited battery life, and a lack of native visionOS apps. Analysts from Morgan Stanley attribute the device’s poor sales to high costs, cumbersome design, and insufficient app support.
By the close of 2025, IDC projected that Apple shipped only 45,000 Vision Pro units during the holiday quarter, a dramatic decrease from roughly 390,000 units sold in 2024. The company reduced its digital advertising budget for the headset by over 95% in key markets such as the U.S. and U.K. Manufacturing partner Luxshare ended production of the Vision Pro early in 2025 amid dwindling demand.
In a strategic shift, Apple is now focusing on AI-powered smart glasses, testing four frame designs under the codename N50. Potential reveals are anticipated late in 2026, with a launch targeted for 2027. The initial version, lacking a display, will include cameras, microphones, and integration with Apple Intelligence. Outgoing CEO Tim Cook is reportedly personally invested in this initiative to compete against Meta Platforms’ Ray-Ban smart glasses.
Apple has faced challenges in adapting Vision Pro technology for smart glasses due to high power requirements. While a revival of the Vision Pro line could be possible if a more affordable, comfortable headset is developed, the company’s spatial computing efforts are now concentrated on evolving smart glasses technology.
