Apple “ just laid off an entire team dedicated to VR development ,” according to AppleInsider. Apple is said to have laid off at least 60 employees from its Vision Team . The move comes as the company is reevaluating its virtual reality strategy after a series of challenges and disappointments .
Mark Gurman previously reported that the team Vision Pro disbanded and its members were reassigned to other projectsafter the Vision Pro refresh in October 2025 and its lackluster reception. The refresh failed to revive consumer interest, with the market remaining wary of the product. Vision Pro’s high price and limited features were among the main reasons consumers didn’t respond positively.
See also: Apple Vision Pro is used in cataract surgeries
Apple's incoming CEO, John Ternus, has also reportedly signed off on the cancellation of a second Vision Pro as well as a cheaper, thinner "Vision Air," with Apple now turning its attention to smart glasses. Gurman believes Apple won't release another headset before the end of 2028. This decision marks a significant change in direction for the company, as it appears to be investing in technologies it sees as having greater growth potential.
The decision comes after a series of challenges Apple faced in the virtual reality space. The company had invested heavily in the development of the Vision Pro, hoping to establish a strong presence in the VR market. However, the product's reception has not met expectations, with many consumers and analysts expressing concerns about its price and functionality.
The VR market is known for its challenges, as consumers seek products that combine innovation with practicality and affordability.
See also: 'Fiasco' with the launch of Vision Pro in Apple stores
The decision to cancel the Vision Air, which was intended to be a more affordable and lightweight version of the Vision Pro, signals a strategic shift in Apple's approach to virtual reality. The company appears to be refocusing its priorities, focusing on technologies it sees as having greater potential for growth and mainstream adoption, such as smart glasses.
Smart glasses, although still in an early stage of development, offer capabilities that can be integrated into users' daily lives in a more natural way.
The move could be seen as part of a broader strategic restructuring led by John Ternus, who takes over the reins of the company at a critical time. Apple, known for its ability to innovate and shape market trends, appears to be adapting to new conditions and consumer demands. A focus on products that integrate technology into everyday life in a more direct and practical way may be key to the company's success in the future.
See also: Apple Experience: Will it present F1 content on Vision Pro?
The decision to lay off 60 employees from the Vision Team may be a difficult one, but it signals Apple’s determination to focus on areas it believes will bring it greater success in the future. The future of virtual reality remains uncertain, but Apple appears ready to adapt and evolve, seeking new opportunities and challenges. This strategy could allow it to maintain its leading position in the marketwhile exploring new technologies that can change the way people interact with the digital world.
