Since Apple confirmed its entry into the extended reality market at WWDC 2023 in June, consumers have been clamoring for an official Apple Vision Pro release date. Advertised as more than just a mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro could mark a new era for extended reality.
This “spatial computing” device is perfectly aligned with the concept of the metaverse, promising to bring virtual content and real-world environments closer together. Though official specs and product details have yet to be announced, Apple is benefiting from significant industry hype.
If industry rumors are correct, we may have a short time to wait before consumers can dive into the Apple metaverse themselves. The Apple Vision Pro release date is set for somewhere in the early months of 2024.
Here’s everything we know about the Apple Vision Pro release date, pricing, and specs.
The Current Apple Vision Pro Release Date
Like rival Meta, Apple’s executives have remained frustratingly vague about an official Apple Vision Pro release date. The Apple website confirms the headset will start rolling out early next year (2024), starting with sales online and via Apple store locations throughout the US.
Apple also appears to be planning to roll the device out to other countries, such as Canada and the UK, in the following months of the year. The term “early next year” could cover anything from January to April, though we’ll likely get more updates from Apple before 2024 begins.
Though Apple could start the year on a high note, the company still has several supply chain issues and challenges to overcome. Rumors earlier this year suggested Sony, the company responsible for making Apple’s OLED displays, can only produce up to 200,000 displays per quarter.
This has already prompted Apple to slash its production plans and could mean the Vision Pro is as difficult to access for consumers as the Xbox One and PS5 were just a short while ago.
Apple Vision Pro Release Date and Availability
Notably, while the Apple Vision Pro is set to roll out in the US and a handful of other countries soon, purchasing your device might not be as simple as it seems. With so much riding on this high-priced device, Apple seems determined to prioritize customer experience.
The company isn’t planning on simply allowing consumers to grab the item off the shelf. Instead, consumers may be required to book an in-store appointment with an expert once the product is released. This is similar to the strategy Apple took with the first generation of the Apple Watch.
Through an in-store appointment, Apple suggests consumers will be able to customize and tailor their Apple Pro experience, ensuring they get the best fit.
The good news is consumers not located close to an Apple store may not be out of luck. Apple is making complete developer kits with measuring and fit apps to help sellers customize the device to their buyers. However, Apple will unlikely hand the Vision Pro off to third-party distributors soon.
How Much Is the Apple Vision Pro? Pricing Insights
The pricing may be a big factor pushing the Apple Vision Pro release date back.
Though sources suggest the production materials of the Vision Pro only cost around $1,590, the tech giant has chosen quite a hefty profit margin. Currently, the spatial computing device’s price is $3,499 at launch, making it one of the most expensive products out there.
While the product isn’t currently available for pre-order, Apple allows customers to sign up for a notification when pre-orders are released. For those concerned about the hefty price tag, there’s also a chance a cheaper alternative may be on the horizon.
Bloomberg shared rumors that a cheaper headset with less advanced features could already be in production. It remains to be seen which features this alternative solution will lack. However, if Apple follows in the footsteps of other XR developers, less storage and simpler displays may be an option.
The bad news is that the Apple Vision Pro release date for the cheaper wearable could be further away. Mark Gurman suggested the affordable alternative could be unveiled in 2025 or pushed back to 2026.