According to Neowin , Vision Pro is a mixed reality headset that allows the owner to interact with apps on the screen while also viewing the real world , which Apple calls "spatial computing". At the time of launch, Apple said that the company wanted to extend the gap between the launch and release (early 2024) of Vision Pro to allow developers to create apps for the device.
However, a new report now suggests the delay was largely due to manufacturing issues rather than developer requests.
The complexity of Vision Pro makes it difficult for Apple's supply chain
Sources say Apple has expressed dissatisfaction with the productivity of its manufacturing partners responsible for supplying two key components of the Vision Pro, the micro-OLED display for the wearer’s eyes and the outward-facing curved lens. While Sony and TSMC have supplied the micro-OLED displays for the prototypes, the identity of the supplier responsible for large-scale production remains unknown.
Explaining the reasons behind Apple’s struggles, technology consultant Jay Goldberg said this is the most complex consumer device ever. Overall, there’s a lot of technology in the Vision Pro, and Apple knows it’s going to take time to scale.
Due to these production challenges, Apple is reportedly planning to produce fewer than 400,000 Vision Pro units in 2024. The report also notes that two component suppliers revealed that Apple only requires between 130,000 and 150,000 units in the first year. This significant reduction in production estimates marks a departure from Apple’s previous internal sales target of 1 million Vision Pro units sold in the first 12 months.
In addition to these supply chain challenges, Apple is said to have delayed the launch of a lower-cost version of its Vision glasses aimed at the mass market. While the company has been working with Samsung and LG to build the low-cost Vision glasses, sources say Apple is determined to use micro-OLED technology even on the non-Pro versions.
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