There were rumors indicating that they were working on the AVP for almost a decade before it was announced. With Apple, rumors have less to do with an imminent release and more to do with marketing, particularly to investors: such gossip placates those who are getting antsy that Apple might get left behind, especially when (as with VR) other big tech names like Facebook and Google are obviously moving to box Apple out.

If VisionOS comes back, it will be in a "Prey" or "Marathon"-like manner (or, best-scenario, A User Environment Reborn).