Recent reports have sparked confusion about Apple’s commitment to its Vision headset line, with claims that the company has canceled the project entirely. However, these reports are not entirely accurate. Apple’s plans for the Vision headset are more nuanced and strategic than they appear at first glance.
The rapid pace of technological advancements and the constant stream of information can make it challenging to separate fact from fiction. This article aims to clarify the situation, providing context and insights into Apple’s Vision headset plans.
Apple’s Vision Headset: A Timeline of Developments
Two prominent sources, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg and supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have been reliable predictors of Apple’s future Vision headset plans. However, they have also been known to make errors and sometimes contradict each other.
Since before the initial reveal of the Apple Vision Pro headset, both Gurman and Kuo reported that Apple was already developing a cheaper and lighter follow-up model. Initially, this successor was expected to launch in 2026. However, by late 2026, Kuo claimed that the headset had been delayed beyond 2027. In late 2026, Gurman reported that Apple had paused the project to prioritize the launch of smart glasses sooner.
In a May newsletter, Gurman reported that Apple is working on a slimmer and lighter headset to succeed the Vision Pro. However, he does not anticipate the device to launch until late 2028 at the earliest, possibly even 2029. This report came just weeks after MacRumors claimed that Apple had given up on the Vision Pro entirely and disbanded the visionOS team after poor sales of the M5 refresh. Kuo also claimed that incoming CEO John Ternus set to succeed Tim Cook on September 1, has removed Vision headsets from the roadmap entirely.
The Reality of Apple’s Vision Headset Plans
The idea that Apple has abandoned the Vision headset line and visionOS entirely seems far-fetched. According to a source with knowledge of Apple’s work on a new headset, this is not the case. The late 2028 at the earliest headset that Gurman refers to is a new and total redesign. This redesign involves moving the main chipset to the external puck to significantly reduce the weight of the visor, a strategy similar to Meta’s next headset and an approach expected from much of the industry in the coming years.
Given the major architectural differences, this redesign will take longer than the previous approach of moderately reducing the weight of the existing chipset-onboard design. In an interview with Tom’s Guide, Ternus himself publicly stated, “We’re still very much in the early innings of spatial computing. We are super excited about it. The Vision Pro is an extraordinary product.” These words do not sound like those of an incoming CEO about to cancel the entire product line.
At WWDC 2026, Apple announced visionOS 27 with significant updates and improvements, many of which set the stage for the future. The company continues to heavily invest in Apple Immersive Video. These investments do not align with a narrative of the M5 Vision Pro being the final headset from Apple.
During the event, visionOS influencer Justin Ryan asked a Senior Director at Apple responsible for product management and product marketing for visionOS whether the Vision Pro is on ice. The response was, “It’s still early innings for spatial computing. And there’s a lot of things that we’re doing, and learning, and we’re continuing to improve on and continue to invest in.” This statement underscores Apple’s ongoing commitment to the platform.
Apple’s Strategic Priorities: Smart Glasses and Beyond
The reports about Apple’s plans are correct in one aspect: the company is currently prioritizing smart glasses. This focus is indeed affecting the urgency and priority of its headsets. Both Gurman and Kuo agree that Apple’s next face-wearable will be displayless smart glasses, equipped with cameras, speakers, and microphones.
Apple’s moves make sense in a context where the company is not abandoning headsets forever. The strategic shift towards smart glasses does not indicate a complete withdrawal from the headset market but rather a diversification of Apple’s offerings in the spatial computing space.
The company continues to invest in and develop new headset models, alongside its focus on smart glasses. The future of Apple’s Vision headset remains promising, with significant updates and improvements on the horizon.
