CUPERTINO, California, Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – The long-awaited Apple Vision Pro headset, Apple’s first major new product category since the Apple Watch in 2015, will finally hit store shelves on February 2nd, 2024, reports said. 1
The mixed-reality device, unveiled at WWDC 2023, sparked extensive industry buzz, and pre-orders began on January 19.
The Vision Pro, carrying a $3,499 price tag, presents a significant investment for consumers.
However, Apple touts its advanced capabilities, including high-resolution displays, spatial audio, eye tracking, and intuitive hand gestures.
The company promises an immersive experience for gaming, entertainment, productivity, and collaboration.
Analysts remain optimistic about the Vision Pro’s potential, expecting it to be a key driver of future Apple revenue. The company itself has emphasized the Vision Pro as a gateway to a metaverse future, further intensifying speculation and excitement surrounding the product.
The Vision Pro marks Apple’s entry into a burgeoning landscape of VR, AR, and XR devices, joining companies like Meta, Valve, and Sony in the race to define the future of immersive technology.
While VR headsets like Meta Quest 2 and Valve Index have seen strong adoption for gaming and virtual experiences, AR glasses like Google Glass and Magic Leap have struggled to gain traction due to limited functionality and high price tags.
XR devices, bridging the gap between VR and AR, represent a promising avenue, with Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 finding niche applications in fields like engineering and medicine.
The Vision Pro, with its focus on spatial audio, hand gestures, and high-resolution displays, could potentially disrupt the market by offering an experience across multiple use cases.
In a separate communication recently, the company informed its employees through a memo that they would qualify for a 25% discount on the Vision Pro.
This discount is less than the 50% reduction Apple provided during the launch of its smartwatch and HomePod smart speaker, but it is noteworthy considering the higher price of the Vision Pro. The discount would bring the cost down to approximately $2,600, excluding taxes and optional features.
Furthermore, employees are entitled to a $500 allowance for a Mac every three years, and this credit can be applied towards the purchase of the headset. Additionally, the memo, as viewed by Bloomberg, states that Apple will cover the expenses for prescription lenses associated with the product.
