Apple's first-gen Vision Pro handsets had shocked most consumers with their poor value for money, offering only limited utility for ~$3,500. Now, it seems even Apple does not want those headsets back.
Apple confirms no trade-ins for first-gen Vision Pro headsets
While announcing the in-store availability of its new M5 iPad Pro and 14-inch MacBook Pro, Apple noted in the fine-print:
"Apple Vision Pro is not eligible for trade-in. Customers can trade in an eligible product and apply the trade-in value toward the purchase of a qualifying new device or added to an Apple Gift Card."
This is a bizarre policy on the part of Apple. After all, if it wants to develop the Vision Pro ecosystem, it should provide consumers with the certainty of an implied price floor by allowing trade-ins.
The new M5 Vision Pro starts at $3,499 and is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities.
A possible reason behind Apple's eschewing of trade-ins for the older Vision Pro might have something to do with its imminent pivot to AI-powered smart glasses.
Apparently, the Cupertino giant is now seeking to launch AI products with a heftier mass-market appeal, all in a bid to put up some much-needed competition against Meta, which seems bent on cornering the AI smart glasses segment.
Apple has reportedly halted all work on the Vision Pro headset, which was expected to launch in 2027 and bears the internal codename N100.
Instead, Apple is reportedly gunning for a 2026 release of its new AI-enabled smart glasses, replete with integrated cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling the wearer to interact via an improved version of its bespoke AI assistant, Siri.
Meanwhile, as we noted earlier today, packaging on the new M5 Vision Pro now indicates that it is being assembled in Vietnam instead of China.
Do note that Apple's pivot to Vietnam is an apparent bid to insulate itself from geopolitical shocks, especially as Vietnam has largely de-risked itself by signing on to a comprehensive trade deal with the Trump administration.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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