Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop
Source: MacRumors
Background
Apple updated the Vision Pro in October 2025 with a faster M5 chip and a more comfortable Dual Knit Band, but no other hardware changes were made. The device continued to face criticism for its high price and weight. At over 1.3 lb, even with the redesigned band to redistribute weight, it remained uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.
M5 Refresh
The M5 chip introduced several technical improvements:
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- Approximately 10 % more rendered pixels
- Roughly 30 minutes additional battery life
Despite these upgrades, the price remained at $3,499, and sales were weak. The Vision Pro sold only about 600,000 units in total. Insider sources told MacRumors that Apple has seen an unusually high return rate, far exceeding that of any other modern Apple product.
Issues
- Weight and comfort: The headset’s mass makes long‑duration use difficult.
- Price: At $3,499, the Vision Pro is positioned far above most competing headsets.
- Return rate: High percentages of returns suggest consumer dissatisfaction.
Future Plans
Apple has not discontinued the Vision Pro and continues to sell the M5 model, but there are no announced plans for a new version. The company appears to be shifting focus toward smart glasses that will eventually incorporate augmented‑reality capabilities. The first iteration is expected to resemble Ray‑Ban‑style smart glasses with AI features and no integrated display.
This article, “Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop,” first appeared on MacRumors.com.