Apple, $AAPL, has suspended work on its next high-end Vision headset

Apple, $AAPL, has suspended work on its next high-end Vision headset.

Apple has suspended work on its next high-end Vision headset, according to a report by The Information on Tuesday, citing an employee at a manufacturer that produces key components for the Vision Pro.

The iPhone maker is still focused on releasing a more affordable Vision product with fewer features before the end of next year, the report said, citing a person involved in its supply chain and another in the manufacturing of the headsets.

Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The company plans to sell its Vision Pro in eight new countries, including China and Japan, to boost sales of the $3,500 device, which has faced slower demand following initial enthusiasm.

Earlier this month, Apple held its annual developer conference, where it unveiled its long-awaited AI strategy and announced a partnership with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. This event has given a boost to Apple's shares, which have risen over 11% so far this year after lagging behind their Big-Tech peers at the start of the year due to softer iPhone demand in China.

Apple had originally planned to split its Vision product into two models, similar to the standard and Pro versions of its iPhone, the report said. The company has been reducing priority for the successor to the Vision Pro over the past year, assigning fewer employees to work on the next model over time, while focusing on lowering the costs of the first-generation's components, the report added.