Apple launched the Vision Pro, their mixed-reality headset, on January 19th, and within just under a fortnight, they reportedly sold approximately 200,000 units, as reported by MacRumors.
Upon the initiation of pre-orders for the Vision Pro, both home delivery and in-store pickup options quickly sold out, signaling a keen anticipation for Apple’s inaugural VR/AR/MR headset.
While selling a quarter of a million headsets in such a brief period is remarkable, what truly astounds is the achievement with a product priced at $3,500, notably high even within the realm of VR headsets. By comparison, the Meta Quest Pro is considerably more affordable at $1,000.
Critiques of the Apple Vision Pro fall short of justifying its premium price tag. It wouldn’t be surprising if Apple opts to lower the price in the coming year, a strategy that Meta has previously employed to great success.
The Vision Pro’s core concept, which might warrant its substantial cost if executed effectively, revolves around seamlessly integrating it into users’ daily lives. Apple envisions users connecting to the Vision Pro to enhance productivity, communication, and entertainment throughout the day.
This integration includes activities such as taking calls, working on important documents, listening to music, and watching movies—an experience akin to having your Apple Watch, iPhone, or iPad strapped to your eyes.
Apple aims to facilitate this immersive experience through features like the exterior display and transparent goggles, allowing users to perceive their surroundings while engaged in an alternate reality. This design also ensures that others nearby can see the user’s eyes, preventing the wearer from appearing completely isolated.
Counting Apple out of achieving this vision would be premature, considering their track record of turning hardware products into ubiquitous essentials, exemplified by the success of the iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods. The prospect of the Vision Pro becoming a fixture in corporate offices might not be far-fetched.
