Apple is reportedly on the brink of unveiling its highly anticipated mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, marking the tech giant’s foray into a new product category after nearly a decade. Although Apple has not provided a specific launch date, reports confirm that the headset is slated for an early 2024 release, with speculations pointing towards a window between late January and early February.
Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, discloses that the initial shipments of the Vision Pro have commenced, and Apple anticipates having sufficient supply by the end of this month to support a February launch. Gurman hints at a potential official announcement from Apple in the coming week, closely following the CES 2024 event. Sources reportedly reveal that Apple Stores in the US are gearing up for the arrival of the Vision Pro, with stocks expected to reach stores before the official retail launch. Recent information suggests that Apple has initiated the shipping process, dispatching limited quantities of the spatial computer to warehouses across the US.
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According to Gurman, retail employees from Apple Stores nationwide are travelling to Cupertino for training sessions related to an undisclosed new product. This aligns with previous reports from December, where Gurman highlighted Apple’s plans for training seminars to educate retail staff on the setup, operation, and sales strategies for the high-end headset, which is priced at a substantial $3,499.
Gurman further notes that Apple Stores in the US will conduct meetings on January 21 to discuss sales procedures and provide additional training. Towards the end of the month, retail locations will receive new inventory racks and backroom equipment specifically tailored for the Vision Pro. Recent patent filings for hardware and software designs also suggest an imminent launch.
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In an interesting twist, Apple may alter its approach to pre-orders for the Vision Pro, potentially offering appointment-based pickups at retail stores instead of direct shipping to customers. This could provide buyers with a personalised product experience and fitting. The company is reportedly planning to expand the availability of the mixed reality headset to markets in China, Canada, and the UK following its initial launch in the US.
Adding to the anticipation, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the Vision Pro will hit store shelves in late January or early February, emphasising its significance as Apple’s “most important product of 2024.” Kuo estimates that the company aims to ship as many as 500,000 units in the year 2024.