Apple is reducing its production targets for the mixed-reality Vision Pro headset due to manufacturing difficulties, the Financial Times reported.

The company has decided to make less than 400,000 units of the US$3,499 (RM16,282) device compared to its first selling target which was 1 million units in its first 12 months in 2024. Several unidentified individuals who have direct knowledge of the manufacturing process say the complexity of the headset design and production difficulties have forced the company to reduce its targets. In addition, plans for a more affordable version have also been pushed back.

Two unidentified China-based component suppliers separately told Financial Times that Apple only asked for parts to build 130,000 to 150,000 Vision Pros in the first year. Neither Apple nor Luxshare, the headset’s sole assembler, responded to requests for comment on the Vision Pro.

The most expensive components are causing the biggest problems – the two micro-OLED displays (which create the image for the wearer), made by Sony and the chipmaker, TSMC. However, Sony and TSMC declined to comment on any role in the Vision Pro.

Vision Pro, which was unveiled last month, is the company’s latest move to maintain sales momentum and try to push a mixed-reality industry that has struggled for years to enter the mainstream. Designed to look like high-tech ski goggles, the device will come with its own operating system, visionOS, and a dedicated App Store. It will launch in the United States early next year, followed by other regions.

Do you think Apple made the right choice? Would Vision Pro be the next hit in the VR industry? We’ll just have to wait and see.