According to a new report from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (spotted via IGN), the company is allegedly cutting back on Apple Vision Pro shipments in 2024.
The move will reportedly reduce shipments to around 450k units, as opposed to the projected 800k that market analysts expected.
Apple only just launched the headset last February, and it quickly accumulated mixed reviews. The headset included over 200 titles from Apple Arcade, as well as controller support. However, the device clearly prioritized breaking new ground in the computer space instead of gaming.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said the Apple Vision Pro would usher in a new age of “spatial computing.” But lower shipments imply a bit less optimism.
However, a report last March suggested that Sony similarly paused production on PSVR2 headsets over dwindling sales. The report from Yijia Zhai explained that “the high price of VR hardware acts as the main hurdle for its expansion.”
The Apple Vision Pro launched with a hefty price tag of $3,499 USD. So, it’s in a completely different ballpark compared to traditional gaming headsets. So, if Apple did cut back on shipments, it may not necessarily be because the features themselves are weak.
Last February, a key Xbox Podcast updated fans about Microsoft’s plans for future hardware. Xbox President Sarah Bond said that “there’s some exciting stuff coming out in hardware that we’re going to share this holiday.”
There was no mention of an Xbox headset, though it may not be out of the question yet. Recent claims suggest that Xbox is prototyping a native Xbox handheld device.
At this time, Apple has not issued an official comment on the alleged cutbacks for the Apple Vision Pro device.
For more of the latest Insider Gaming news, you can read about PUBG: Battlegrounds bringing back the Erangel Classic map in late May.
If VR was in a better place and this was cheaper it would take off. We need to be at the Sword Art Online and .hack level of immersion. I assume AI will be a part of that also sex sells. I hope they don’t give up on this.