Apple to require appointment to buy Vision Pro VR headset
Apple’s highly anticipated Vision Pro virtual reality headsets will be gradually introduced to customers through in-person appointments at Apple retail locations starting early next year, according to a report. This move comes as Apple faces production issues that will significantly limit the number of headsets available. Initial projections of over 400,000 headsets have now been reduced. Apple plans to showcase the devices in designated sections of its nationwide stores, allowing customers to experience the technology firsthand before purchasing. The initial launch will take place in major cities like New York and Los Angeles, with plans to expand to other US markets. Apple has not yet provided a comment on the report.
New Changes by Apple: Vision Pro VR Headset Purchase to Now Require Appointments
Apple Inc. is set to gradually introduce its highly anticipated Vision Pro virtual reality headsets next year, according to a report. Priced at $3,500 each, the headsets will be available to customers through in-person appointments at Apple’s retail stores. This approach comes in response to major production issues that have limited the company’s output to less than 400,000 units in 2024, far below initial projections.
To market the Vision Pro, Apple plans to create dedicated sections in its 270 nationwide stores where consumers can experience the technology firsthand. The initial launch is scheduled for early next year in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles, with further expansion into other US markets planned. Apple has not yet provided an official comment on these developments.
US-based consumers will have the option to order Vision Pro headsets through Apple’s online store starting in early 2024. The report also reveals that Apple will begin selling the headsets in Canada and the United Kingdom later next year, before expanding further into markets in Asia and Europe. To cater to specific regions, Apple engineers are said to be working on adapting the device for countries like France, Germany, Australia, China, and Hong Kong.
The Financial Times recently reported that production issues with the intricate design of the Vision Pro have forced Apple to make significant cuts to its sales projections. Luxshare, the Chinese manufacturing partner responsible for building the headsets, is now expected to produce less than 400,000 units in 2024, rather than the originally anticipated 1 million. Two other Chinese companies supplying components for the device have also been asked by Apple to prepare for lower production numbers.
These production challenges have led to a delay in the development of a cheaper version of the headset and have prompted Apple to revise its sales projections. Despite these setbacks, the company’s market capitalization recently surpassed $3 trillion.
The Vision Pro will compete directly with Meta’s lower-priced headsets when it hits the market next year. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who has invested heavily in pursuing the metaverse, took a jab at his Silicon Valley rival, suggesting that Apple’s offering is only suitable for individuals “sitting on a couch by themselves.”
As Apple navigates the challenges of bringing its virtual reality headsets to market, investors will be closely watching for updates on production, sales, and customer reaction to determine the impact on the company’s future growth.