Apple Vision Pro will be available in early 2024. Bloomberg reports that the tech giant is planning to launch the new mixed-reality headset with appointments only in major U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, and others.
Unveiled at the WWDC 2023, Vision Pro is Apple’s first spatial computer with combined virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology. The headset is powered by the world’s first spatial operating system, visionOS, and features a revolutionary input system that allows users to interact with 3D digital content in their physical space with their eyes, hands, and voice.
Vision Pro is designed for comfortable all-day wear, so it features an ultra-high-resolution display system with 23 million pixels across two micro-OLED displays in a singular piece of glass housed into the custom aluminum alloy frame that curves around the user’s face.
Its Light Seal comes in different shapes and sizes for a precise fit, flexible straps to ensure the sound remains in the user’s ear, and a headband in multiple sizes. And users with vision correction will need to purchase ZEISS Optical Inserts to ensure visual fidelity and eye-tracking accuracy.
Therefore, to ensure every customer purchases their $3,500 Vision Pro with perfect fitting, Apple has planned its retail launch with appointments and in-store promotions in select locations in the U.S. before rolling out nationwide and in international markets.
Appointments for Vision Pro will ensure customers purchase a device that fits properly
According to the report, Vision Pro will be available in select U.S. locations in early 2024 in special areas before expanding to all 270 retail stores in the country.
In-store customers will have to make an appointment so Apple experts can assist them with its fit. When booking an appointment, buyers will be asked for their vision prescription for lens inserts if applicable.
“The company will designate special areas in the stores with seating, headset demo units and tools to size accessories for buyers.”
In addition, Apple is developing an iPhone app, along with a physical machine, to scan customers’ heads for accessory sizing when purchasing the headset online. Online customers will also be asked to upload their prescription data for lens inserts if required.
The tech giant used the same strategy for the Apple Watch launch in 2015. But people familiar with the headset’s launch say that it would be the company’s most “complex debut” ever for it requires training salespeople, teaching customers how to use it, and most importantly, resolving supply chain logistics like the headset’s units, its accessories like headbands, light seals, optional prescription lenses, charger, and others.
Apple plans a slow rollout for Vision Pro starting from the U.S. in early 2024 to international markets in late 2024
Starting with select locations, Vision Pro will be available at its online and 270 retail stores in the U.S. in early 2024.
By the end of 2024, the headset will be available in the international markets starting with the UK and Canada and expanding to Asia and Europe soon after. The company’s engineers are also working on localizing the device for Germany, France, China, Australia, Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan.
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