[I had written part of the blog before Apple had announced the release date and availability of the headset. Here’s my predictions and thoughts beforehand.]
The headset Apple unveiled from Apple as the headline WWDC23 this past June is reportedly on track for late January, or early February, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This seems very reasonable, since Apple said the Apple Vision Pro would be available in “early 2024”, which fits Kuo’s timeline. Kuo is a reliable Apple analyst who has a very high track record. In his report, Kuo writes that mass shipments will begin this week and customer availability a little later
“Shipments in 2024 are estimated to be approximately 500,000 units. Vision Pro is currently in mass production and will begin mass shipments in the first week of January 2024. Vision Pro will most likely hit the store shelves in late January or early February based on the current mass shipment schedule.“
My predictions above were correct regarding the timelines were correct. Apple today has announced the availability of the Apple Vision Pro. Pre-orders start January 19 at 5:00 AM PDT and in-store availability starts February 2.
For those unaware, the Apple Vision Pro is a new headset from Apple with groundbreaking technologies and its main mantra is “The era of spatial computing is here.” It seamlessly blends the physical space with the digital world, creating apps in your room. It uses only your eyes and hand gestures as controls. Look for an upcoming post from me of more an in-depth of the Apple Vision Pro and my opinions too. Read more in-depth here: apple.com/apple-vision-pro/
The press release included a few important details about the Apple Vision Pro. First, Apple announced at the launch event (WWDC23) that prescription lenses would be sold separately, and now the prices have been announced.
- ZEISS Optical Inserts — Readers will be available for $99 (U.S.), and ZEISS Optical Inserts — Prescription will be available for $149 (U.S.)
Throughout the web, people have been surprised with the pricing of the lenses since many of them predicted them being much more expensive. Apple surprised us again! (as always :D)
In addition, Apple told us what straps or bands will be available for the user. Apple describes them here:
“The Solo Knit Band provides cushioning, breathability, and stretch and a Fit Dial lets you adjust Apple Vision Pro precisely to your head. The Dual Loop Band offers an additional option for a personalized fit.”
It seems like there is some choice for the user for what would fit them best and decide upon the different bands. And, they are both included in the box, which leads to my next point.
Apple also revealed what will be included inside the box and with the Apple Vision Pro. Here’s the full rundown from Apple:
“Apple Vision Pro comes with a Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop Band — giving users two options for the fit that works best for them. Apple Vision Pro also includes a Light Seal, two Light Seal Cushions, an Apple Vision Pro Cover for the front of the device, Polishing Cloth, Battery, USB-C Charge Cable, and USB-C Power Adapter.“
It is good to know what is included in the box with the headset before pre-orders start and customers decide to purchase one. We will probably hear more information from Apple about the pre-order process soon. I heard that the customer will need to have a fitting in store before ordering the headset.
Something that Apple failed to include in the press release was the pricing beyond “starting at $3,499 (U.S.) with 256GB of storage.” We are still in the dark of the pricing beyond that for each level of storage beyond that and what storage levels there will be.
Besides the press release, I also received an email from Apple, since I signed up for updates on the Apple Vision Pro. It gave me an update on the consumer demo process:
“Starting at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 2, we invite you to sign up for a demo of Apple Vision Pro at your local Apple Store. Demo times will be available Friday through the weekend on a first-come, first-served basis. We can’t wait to see you there.”
I have set times on my calendar to remember to sign-up for a demo time slot. Apple will probably release more information on the sign-up process, so I will know how to sign-up. If you are eager to test the Vision Pro yourself, like me, then I would set reminders to sign-up for a demo at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 2. I will give updates on what my experience will be with the headset. I am so excited!
Check out the full press release here: Apple Vision Pro available in the U.S. on February 2 – Apple
Check out a 9to5mac article also regarding this topic: Vision Pro launching on February 2, pre-orders begin next week – 9to5Mac
The Apple Enthusiast 