Apple’s virtual reality ambitions face growing uncertainty following layoffs affecting employees working on the Vision Pro. According to Design News, Apple reportedly cut 60 employees from its VR group as part of a broader round of about 200 layoffs. The changes come as the company faces questions about its progress in artificial intelligence and the future direction of its augmented and virtual reality products.
Apple introduced the Vision Pro in June 2023 and began selling the headset nine months later. Rather than targeting gamers, Apple positioned the device for enterprise and business users and promoted the concept of spatial computing. However, the product has struggled to generate enough market momentum to encourage greater investment.
Price remains a major obstacle. Vision Pro launched at $3,499, considerably higher than competing headsets. Apple also kept production relatively limited and did not introduce a lower-cost model that might have expanded its audience. Design News reports that the price increased to $3,699 in June 2026 amid memory shortages affecting several Apple products.
Despite the layoffs, Apple has not abandoned spatial computing. Reports indicate that the company remains committed to its vision computing efforts, and the release of a beta version of its latest visionOS suggests continued development of AR and VR technologies.
At the same time, Apple appears to be shifting attention toward AI-powered smart glasses. The rumored device would reportedly rely on cameras, Siri, and Visual Intelligence instead of incorporating an augmented reality display. Such an approach would place Apple in competition with Meta’s expanding range of AI-enabled smart glasses.
Privacy could complicate this strategy because wearable cameras raise concerns about recording people and surroundings. Design News reports that these issues may already be contributing to development and marketing delays. Apple’s ability to address privacy while delivering useful AI capabilities could therefore shape its next attempt to establish a stronger position in wearable computing.
