Apple has begun the global rollout of the Vision Pro, bringing the device to eager customers in China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. This marks the first availability of the Vision Pro outside the United States, where it has been on sale since February. Apple is set to further expand its market reach by making the Vision Pro available in the UK, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada starting July 12.
The Vision Pro’s international debut was highly anticipated, with Apple Stores across the four Asian countries bustling with excited customers. Apple’s retail chief Deidre O’Brien attended the launch in China to engage with buyers, highlighting the significance of this event for the company. The initial response has been positive, with many users keen to experience the Vision Pro’s cutting-edge spatial computing capabilities.
Interested customers in China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore can now purchase the Vision Pro at local Apple Stores and book demos to understand its full potential. The pricing for the headset varies across these markets, reflecting local economic conditions:
- China: RMB 29,999 (approx. US $4,130)
- Hong Kong: HK$27,999 (approx. US $3,585)
- Japan: ¥599,800 (approx. US $3,733)
- Singapore: S$5,299 (approx. US $3,908)
From July 12, the Vision Pro will be available for purchase in the UK, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada. Pre-orders for these regions open today, allowing more customers to experience Apple’s latest technological marvel.
Since its initial launch, the Vision Pro has garnered mixed reviews. Users have praised its advanced hardware and innovative features but have raised concerns about its high price, weight, and the overall intuitiveness of its gesture-based controls. Despite these criticisms, the Vision Pro is recognized for its ability to blend digital content with the physical world seamlessly, offering new ways to work, collaborate, and enjoy entertainment.
At WWDC 2024, Apple announced visionOS 2, the first major update to the Vision Pro’s operating system. This update includes several enhancements, such as a redesigned Photos app with SharePlay support, the ability to convert 2D photos into spatial photos, and an ultra-wide version of Mac Virtual Display. These features aim to improve user experience and functionality, addressing some of the feedback received since the initial launch.
Apple’s decision to launch the Vision Pro in China, a market known for its tech-savvy consumers, and other Asian powerhouses suggests a strategic shift. With domestic sales slowing, Apple is likely hoping to capitalize on the international market’s potential for the Vision Pro. Expanding availability and continuous software updates aim to broaden the device’s appeal and solidify its position globally.
