Apple Prepping Vision Pro for February Launch
Credit: Apple
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Apple is planning a February launch for its upcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset and ramping up production of the headset to meet that target release date, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Gurman says Apple has been running production “at full speed” for the last several weeks to ensure that the headset is ready to ship by the end of January, in time for a February retail launch. Apple unveiled the Vision Pro at WWDC back in June, saying at the time that it would hit shelves in early 2024.
Since then, we’ve seen multiple rumors about Apple’s release timeline, with rumored timeframes indicating January, as well as March.
Apple will initially limit the availability of the Vision Pro to the United States, and customers will likely be required to purchase the headset in an Apple retail store or at least come into the store to pick up online orders. Apple wants to ensure that customers are fitted with the proper headband size and light seal for a good fit.
Unless a tight fit is ensured to block out all ambient light, content won’t display properly and an improper headband size could make the device feel too heavy. Customers who wear glasses will also require custom Zeiss prescription lenses, leading Apple to do headset assembly in its retail locations.
Apple is preparing to display and demonstrate the headset in a select number of its retail stores. Locations will be required to have headsets in stock, as well as all of the accessories, including the various sizes of headbands and light seals. Apple will also send employees from each of its retail stores to Cupertino to learn how to properly prepare the device for customers. Gurman previously noted that staff training is expected to start in mid-January.
Apple reportedly sent a memo to retail employees asking them to apply for the training. Employees would be accepted only after they complete an application and go through an interview process.
Gurman says each employee in attendance will receive two days of training and will learn the proper operation of the headset, the features to highlight to potential customers, and how to properly attach the light seal, headband, and if needed, the prescription lenses.
Employees will be required to learn how to properly put the device on a customer’s head and how to properly fit the right light seal on the customer’s face. An app will scan a customer’s face to determine the proper sized headband and light seal. However, the employee will still be required to confirm the app’s recommendation.
The Vision Pro will carry a $3,500 price tag, and the headset will be in limited supply. If demand for the Vision Pro proves to be high, it could be months before Apple is able to manufacture enough units to catch up with demand.
As you might expect, if Apple experiences any production or supply issues, the planned February launch could be delayed.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
