Apple Vision Pro: Apple cuts back on Vision Pro production owing to design challenges – Times of India

Apple has significantly reduced its production forecast for the recently launched Vision Pro augmented-reality headset.
According to The Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the manufacturing process, the iPhone manufacturer is scaling back their production of its first-ever mixed-reality headset to less than 400,000 units by 2024.
Two suppliers based in China, who are contracted to provide components for the Vision Pro, have revealed that Apple has only requested enough for 130,000 to 150,000 units in the first year.
From what it seems, there could be a considerable cut in production compared to the initial sales goal of 1 million units, which Apple had earlier expected.
One of the main challenges being faced is the production of the screens that are used in the device. These screens are made up of two micro-OLED displays, one for each eye, as well as a curved “lenticular” lens that faces outward. The displays offer a higher resolution than anything currently available, while the outward lens allows the wearer to see their surroundings.
According to two people familiar with the situation, Sony and chipmaker TSMC provided the micro-OLED displays used in the prototypes showcased in the June demonstration.
Apple has expressed dissatisfaction with the productivity of their suppliers, tells sources, particularly regarding the yield of defect-free micro-OLEDs.
During a recent media roundtable, Terushi Shimizu, the head of Sony’s semiconductor unit, explained that Sony was being cautious about the potential expansion of the mixed-reality headset market and, consequently, was hesitant to significantly increase production.
One source close to Luxshare, the assembler, has expressed disappointment in the reduction of 2024 forecasts. Luxshare had been preparing to increase its capacity to produce almost 18 million units per year in the near future.
Apple is also working on the next iterations of the mixed-reality headset, including a budget-friendly option to reach a wider consumer base. However, the plans have now been pushed back.
The company had been eyeing to partner with Samsung and LG for this second-generation headset. In an effort to lower costs, the cheaper variant would have used an alternative technology like mini-LED, but sources say the non-Pro models of the headset would also use micro-OLED, despite suppliers struggling to meet their requirements.