Highlights

• Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a limited batch of 60,000 to 80,000 units for the Vision Pro’s February launch.
• The Vision Pro marks Apple’s first major product release since the Apple Watch.
• Anticipated swift sell-out due to the Vision Pro’s unique features and loyal Apple fanbase.
• Apple gears up for the Vision Pro launch with extensive marketing and developer engagement.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared insights suggesting that the company’s upcoming Vision Pro headset might be a rare find upon its release.

According to Kuo’s blog post on Medium, Apple plans to produce a limited initial batch of between 60,000 and 80,000 units for its launch on February 2, priced at $3,499.

As you can probably tell, this figure is notably modest compared to the approximately 225 million iPhones Apple ships annually.

Apple Vision Pro Headset: Limited Vision Pro Units

This restrained production approach is quite indicative of the somewhat experimental nature of the Vision Pro, marking Apple’s first significant new product endeavor since the introduction of the Apple Watch in 2014.

Despite the company’s announcement of the headset last summer and confirmation of preorders starting this month, the launch is expected to be confined to the U.S. and lacks a follow-up launch event, underscoring its selective rollout strategy.

While Wall Street analysts are not anticipating the Vision Pro to significantly impact Apple’s sales immediately, the initial consumer response will be closely observed.

This feedback will be critical in forecasting the potential market performance of future iterations of the headset.

The Vision Pro has piqued the curiosity of the tech community, particularly regarding its potential applications.

Apple has showcased a range of uses, from serving as a laptop replacement to providing immersive experiences in watching 3D movies and exploring panoramic environments.

Apple Vision Pro Headset: Units To Sell Out Fast

Despite uncertainties regarding the headset’s precise market positioning and key applications, especially given its premium pricing, Kuo anticipates a swift sell-out, driven by Apple’s loyal fanbase and the device’s innovative features.

These features reportedly include a highly intuitive eye-control interface that gives the illusion of mind control, adding to its appeal.

The Vision Pro, at least from what the company has shared, can be considered a standout product with its sophisticated blend of cameras and sensors, seamlessly integrating real-world views with Apple’s software on high-end internal displays.

Customization is a significant aspect of the user experience, including tailored lenses for those who wear glasses.

In anticipation of the Vision Pro’s debut, Apple has been actively preparing, with activities ranging from sending out emails to potential customers about demo bookings, inviting developers to contribute software compatible with the headset, and even launching a national advertisement campaign this week.

Apple Store app Updated for Vision Pro

Apple is also planning an update to its Apple Store app, integrating a personalized shopping feature specifically for its upcoming Vision Pro headset.

According to a discovery by MacRumors in the app’s latest code, the update will include a novel face scanning feature.

This functionality, leveraging the capabilities of an iPhone or iPad, will assist users in selecting the ideal fit for the Vision Pro’s Light Seal and Head Band.

The feature in the Apple Store app is set to guide users through a face scanning process to accurately determine the most suitable size for the Vision Pro.

This process is expected to mirror the one Apple provided to developers who received early access to the Vision Pro Developer Kit.

In addition to this innovative fitting feature, Apple has already revealed that the Vision Pro will come equipped with two band options: the Solo Knit Band and the Dual Loop Band.

These options will be included in the box, allowing users to select the band that best fits their needs and comfort for different use cases.

FAQs

What is the expected availability of the Apple Vision Pro headset at launch?

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is set to release a limited batch of 60,000 to 80,000 Vision Pro headsets on February 2, a modest number compared to its annual iPhone shipments.

How does the Vision Pro headset compare to previous Apple product launches?

The Vision Pro headset is Apple’s most significant product introduction since the Apple Watch in 2014. Its limited initial release and unique features represent a new direction in Apple’s product strategy.

What unique features does the Vision Pro headset offer?

The Vision Pro is reported to include an eye-control interface, offering an immersive experience in activities such as watching 3D movies and exploring virtual environments, with customization options like tailored lenses for glasses wearers.

What are analysts saying about the Vision Pro’s impact on Apple’s sales?

While not expected to dramatically affect Apple’s sales immediately, the Vision Pro’s market performance will provide valuable insights for predicting the success of future versions.

Apple Will Only Produce Up to 80,000 Vision Pro Headsets for Launch, Sellout Likely. Details ?

Apple is planning to produce between 60,000 and 80,000 Vision Pro units for the February 2 launch of the device, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

With the small size of the shipment, Kuo believes that the Vision Pro will “sell out soon after the release.”

According to Kuo, though Apple has not yet defined the key applications for the Vision Pro and the price is high, the “groundbreaking technology innovations” and Apple’s “base of core fans and heavy users” will exhaust supplies of the device.

Kuo made similar comments earlier this week when he said that demand for the headset would cause it to sell out during pre-orders, and he believes there will be long shipping delays after the initial launch period.

Apple is expected to produce fewer than 400,000 Vision Pro headsets in 2024 due to the complexity of manufacturing.

The first run of Vision Pro headsets might sell out quick, but Kuo says that so far, it is unclear if the demand for the Vision Pro will be sustained “after the novelty wears off.”

Continued sales will depend on “clear and correct” product positioning and key applications from Apple.

Apple plans to release the Vision Pro on Friday, February 2, but pre-orders will be accepted starting on January 19 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Orders are limited to the United States for the time being, and Apple has not yet provided details on when the headset might be available in other countries.

Customers that are planning to pick up one of the $3,500 Vision Pro devices should plan to pre-order immediately in order to ensure a headset on launch day.

What new details about the Apple Vision Pro were revealed by Xcode 15.2?

The recent Xcode 15.2 update has confirmed that the Apple Vision Pro will feature 16GB of RAM. This information was discovered in the Xcode files specifically related to the Vision Pro device.

What are the potential storage options for the Apple Vision Pro?

While Apple has only confirmed a 256GB model starting at $3,499, there is speculation, based on various reports and developer kit analyses, that the Vision Pro might also come in 512GB and 1TB storage variants. However, Apple has not officially confirmed these options.

What makes the Vision Pro’s chipset configuration unique?

The Vision Pro is expected to feature a dual-chipset system, combining the power of the M2 chipset for its primary processing needs and a separate R1 chipset dedicated to spatial computing, highlighting its advanced technological capabilities.

When will the Apple Vision Pro be available for pre-order and launch in the U.S.?

The Vision Pro is scheduled for pre-order in the U.S. starting January 19 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, with its official launch on February 2.

This follows months of anticipation and speculation about the device.

In-app measurement of Apple Vision Pro headband and Light Seal sizes. Details?

According to the strings code discovered by Aaron Perris (via MacRumors), the application would support the scanning of faces to provide the correct measurement of Apple’s Vision Pro headband and Light Seal.

This is an additional option apart from visiting a retail store for manual sizing that will be offered to customers.

There are no exact steps on how the process will work. However, it is believed to be similar to the method given to developers who have access to the Vision Pro test kit.

Primarily, it uses an iPhone’s selfie camera and Face ID sensors to scan a user’s face and determine the actual size.

The recorded values and form should be sent to Apple for them to customize or adjust the bands and Light Seal before shipping them out.

The in-app scanning would not likely cover the customization of Zeiss lenses as this requires professional assistance.

It is possible you could send Apple the required prescription for the correct Zeiss inserts and readers, albeit at an additional cost.