Apple Vision Pro: Leadership Struggles and Uncertain Future

Apple appears to have significantly curtailed its investment in the Vision Pro headset, with reports suggesting the company has largely given up on the product after the release of the M5 refresh. This shift comes amid broader concerns about Apple’s innovation pipeline, including stalled AI development and the cancellation of its electric vehicle project.

MacRumors reported on April 29, 2026, that Apple has “given up” on the Vision Pro following the launch of the M5-powered model. This assessment follows a period of underwhelming sales and a lack of compelling use cases for the spatial computer.

Leadership Changes and Early Criticism

The change in direction coincides with a recent leadership shift, with John Ternus taking over hardware responsibilities. A report from 9to5Mac published on April 25, 2026, highlighted that the Vision Pro suffered from “indecisive leadership” prior to Ternus’s appointment. The article suggests that Ternus may be able to steer the product towards realizing its full potential, but acknowledges that significant challenges remain.

“Vision Pro does loads of really cool things – but none of them feel fully fleshed out. Mac Virtual Display is awesome, but the headset is too heavy for you to be comfortable enough to use it for a long time.”

Michael Burkhardt, 9to5Mac

Burkhardt, who purchased a used M5 Vision Pro six months after its release, noted the device’s discomfort and the compromises required for its use, even at a reduced price. He emphasized that many of the Vision Pro’s issues are not hardware-related, but rather stem from a lack of fully developed software and distinct use cases.

Hardware and Software Limitations

The 9to5Mac report details specific shortcomings, including the headset’s weight impacting comfort for extended use, limited native app support from streaming platforms and cumbersome typing and dictation features. These issues, combined with the high price point of $3,499, have hindered broader adoption of the device, as noted in a report from Business Economy.

The Business Economy article, published in 2025, pointed to the Vision Pro’s “so-so reception” and the pressure surrounding the development of a successor, the Vision Pro 2. The high price and incompatibility with popular VR applications were cited as major obstacles for potential buyers.

Broader Innovation Concerns at Apple

The struggles with the Vision Pro are occurring within a larger context of innovation challenges at Apple. The company has faced setbacks in its AI development, particularly with Siri, and has recently cancelled its long-anticipated electric vehicle project. Increased tariffs on Chinese goods are also impacting production costs and potentially hindering innovation, according to Business Economy.

The Business Economy report detailed that upgrades to Siri were delayed due to budgetary constraints and infrastructure adjustments. Internal restructuring within Apple’s AI division, including the replacement of key personnel, further complicated the development process.

Ternus’s Perspective

John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering, has publicly acknowledged the challenges facing the Vision Pro. 9to5Mac reported that Ternus has expressed his thoughts on the device, signaling a potential shift in strategy under his leadership. While specific details of his vision remain limited, his involvement suggests a renewed focus on addressing the shortcomings identified by critics and users.

The future of the Vision Pro remains uncertain, but Apple’s apparent scaling back of investment suggests a more cautious approach. The company will need to overcome significant hurdles – including hardware limitations, software deficiencies, and a high price tag – to establish the Vision Pro as a viable product category and a meaningful contributor to Apple’s overall success.