Apple Vision Pro Shipment Slashed By Half In 2024. High Cost Of Headset Putting The Lineup In Doubt?

The inaugural Apple headset, priced at $3,499, faces considerable challenges in attracting consumers due to its high cost.

The sales of the Apple Vision Pro virtual reality headset kicked off some time back and the reviews about the device have told us all about its hype but, now the company faces a strange situation in which it has to cut down on the shipments for 2024 as the demand for the headset seems to have gone down much earlier than expected. An analyst named Ming-Chi Kuo revealed this week that Apple’s initial shipment target was around 8,00,000 units of the Vision Pro headset.

However, now the iPhone maker is expected to drop by almost half to 4,00,000 units.

High Cost Becoming A Problem?

The inaugural Apple headset, priced at $3,499, faces considerable challenges in attracting consumers due to its high cost. This situation has prompted the company to reevaluate its future roadmap for the segment, with discussions ongoing about the potential launch of a more affordable mixed-reality headset. While initial rumours suggested a release in 2025, recent developments indicate a possible delay.

The significant price tag of the first-generation product has resulted in diverging opinions among industry watchers and potential buyers. Despite this, the device serves as a testament to the exciting possibilities within the segment, acting as a catalyst for further innovation and development.

In the competitive landscape of mixed reality and virtual reality, Meta (formerly Facebook) is closely monitoring Apple's strategies, hoping that the Cupertino giant's ingenuity and market influence will positively impact the Quest ecosystem. Meta is exploring avenues to expand partnerships with renowned brands like Asus and Lenovo, mirroring Microsoft's successful model with Windows for PCs, to broaden the accessibility and appeal of XR headsets to new demographics and markets.

Although industry analyst Kuo maintains an optimistic outlook regarding Apple's forthcoming devices, including the mixed reality headset, potential buyers may remain cautious due to Apple's commitment to top-of-the-line hardware components such as advanced camera sensors and high-resolution OLED displays. This focus on premium specifications may continue to pose challenges regarding affordability and wider adoption among mainstream consumers.