Breaking: Apple Halts Vision Pro Development
Apple has officially stopped all work on the Vision Pro headset after the M5 refresh failed to spark consumer interest, MacRumors has learned. Internal sources confirm the Vision Pro team has been disbanded and members reassigned to other projects, including the Siri team under former Vision Pro chief Mike Rockwell.
“Apple has all but given up on the Vision Pro,” a source familiar with the situation told MacRumors. The M5 upgrade, released in October 2025, added a faster chip and a more comfortable band but no other hardware changes, leaving the device unable to compete in a declining market.
What This Means for Apple's Strategy
This pivot signals Apple’s retreat from high-risk experimental hardware. Resources are now being redirected to proven product lines with larger addressable markets.
MacBook Ultra: Six New Features Confirmed
In a major shift, Apple is planning a groundbreaking redesign of its high-end MacBook lineup, targeting an early 2027 launch. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports the device will likely be branded “MacBook Ultra,” positioned above the MacBook Pro with a premium price point.
According to Gurman, the MacBook Ultra will include six key features:
- OLED display for vibrant colors and deep blacks
- Touch capabilities on the screen
- Dynamic Island notch integration
- M6 Pro and M6 Max chips built on TSMC’s 2nm process
- Thinner design with reduced bezels
- Built-in cellular connectivity for always-on internet
“Apple might use MacBook Ultra branding for these models,” Gurman stated, indicating a clear tier above the current MacBook Pro.
Foldable iPhone Ultra Lacks Key Features Despite $2,000 Price
Apple’s first foldable iPhone, dubbed “iPhone Ultra,” is expected to cost around $2,000 but will omit at least five features found on the iPhone 18 Pro. Dummy models shared by Sonny Dickson and Vadim Yuryev reveal the absence of MagSafe, the Action Button, Face ID, a Telephoto camera lens, and an under-display Touch ID sensor.
“These are glaring omissions for a device costing twice as much as a standard iPhone,” noted industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple appears to be cutting corners to achieve the foldable form factor.
App Store Introduces Monthly Subscriptions With 12-Month Commitment
Apple this week announced a new subscription option for developers: monthly payments with a full-year commitment. This allows developers to offer discounted annual prices while giving users the flexibility to pay month by month.
“People can cancel their subscription at any time, but they must finish out the remaining months of the 12-month term,” an Apple spokesperson explained. The feature aims to boost developer revenue and user retention.
Background
The week’s Apple news centers on a strategic realignment. The Vision Pro’s failure — despite a high-profile M5 refresh — underscores the limited appeal of mixed-reality headsets. Simultaneously, Apple is doubling down on high-margin devices like the MacBook Ultra and foldable iPhone Ultra. The App Store subscription change reflects a push for recurring revenue, a model proven successful by services like iCloud and Apple Music.
These developments come amid broader industry trends: declining interest in VR/AR hardware, a growing demand for foldable smartphones (led by Samsung), and a premiumization of laptops with OLED and touch capabilities.
What This Means
Apple is effectively placing its bets on two revolutionary devices: a MacBook with a touchscreen that could blur the line between laptop and tablet, and a foldable iPhone that challenges conventional smartphone design. However, the omissions on the iPhone Ultra raise questions about its value proposition. Meanwhile, abandoning the Vision Pro frees up talent and resources — but it also marks a rare public retreat for a company that prides itself on reinventing categories.
For consumers, the MacBook Ultra and iPhone Ultra symbolize a retreat to safe, iterative innovation — albeit with premium pricing. The App Store change offers modest benefits for developers and users.