Rumours are swirling that Apple’s initial Vision Pro shipment numbers are so low that it is forcing Apple to cut production numbers leading into WWDC 2024. Long-trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo posted on X to explain how low customer demand for the Vision Pro is now leading to mass production delays.
“Because Apple isn’t very optimistic about the AR/MR headset announcement recreating the astounding iPhone moment,” said Kuo, Apple will be pushing back plans for a mass production schedule by roughly 1-2 months, therefore placing it in “mid-to-late 3Q23.”
When debuting the device, Kuo also noted that Apple’s forecasts predicted that the Vision Pro would ship roughly 500,000 by the end of the year; however, according to the analyst’s insight, Apple has only shipped 200,000 to 300,000 units.
Kuo added:
The main concerns for Apple not being very optimistic regarding the market feedback to the AR/MR headset announcement include the economic downturn, compromises on some hardware specifications for mass production (such as weight), the readiness of the ecosystem and applications, a high selling price (USD 3,000-4,000 or even higher), etc.
What does this mean for WWDC 2024?
The news comes as Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference 2024 is around the corner, and the low shipments and delays add an “uncertainty to whether the new device will appear at WWDC 2023,” says Kuo.
Historically, Apple announces large-scale projects at the yearly conference. Last year, Apple officially debuted the Vision Pro at WWDC 2024. This year, audiences expect Apple to announce more details about its emerging XR product.
This year’s WWDC event is due between June 10 through 14, 2024. Apple will host a widely broadcasted in-person keynote showcase during the event, followed by three days of virtual content to bring budding developers the latest updates.
Susan Prescott, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations, added:
We’re so excited to connect with developers from around the world for an extraordinary week of technology and community at WWDC24. WWDC is all about sharing new ideas and providing our amazing developers with innovative tools and resources to help them make something even more wonderful.
Apple has announced that WWDC24 will highlight the latest updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. During the event, the WWDC landing page will also feature video sessions from Apple designers and engineers to inform the broader developer community.
Apple has not confirmed any news related to Vision Pro for WWDC. However, there is a possibility that the Vision Pro might be introduced to new regional markets during the event because of its limited availability in the current regions.
Apple plans to increase its investment in Chinese regional partners who are already contributing to the company’s device components and supply chain management. This decision was made after CEO Tim Cook visited China to address the declining iPhone sales.
However, Kuo’s recent revelations may alter the narrative that predicts big Vision Pro news in June. While Apple will most likely cover its spatial computing investment in some regard, whether or not the device will take centre stage or gain a significant update could be in the current balance.
