Apple enthusiasts anticipating the arrival of the groundbreaking Apple Vision Pro, the company’s first spatial computer unveiled at WWDC 2023, may need to exercise a bit more patience. According to insights shared by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest subscriber-only newsletter, Power On, there is a possibility that the launch of the Apple Vision Pro in the United States could be delayed until March 2024. While initial expectations hinted at a January 2024 launch, final device testing and distribution planning for the mixed-reality headset have contributed to a potential shift in the timeline.
Unlike most Apple products, the Apple Vision Pro is expected to follow a unique sales approach. Gurman notes that customers will not have the option to purchase the headset through third-party sellers. This departure from the conventional retail strategy may be attributed to logistical challenges, particularly the intricacies involved in managing different stock-keeping units (SKUs) for elements such as Zeiss prescription lenses and headband sizes catering to diverse head shapes and sizes. Additionally, Apple aims to retain control over the rollout of the headset, ensuring a curated and seamless user experience.
While the specific details regarding the international availability of the Apple Vision Pro are yet to be officially disclosed by Apple, Gurman suggests that the mixed reality headset could potentially become available in markets outside the US in the months following its domestic launch. This phased approach aligns with Apple’s strategic focus on carefully managing the global rollout of its innovative products.
The anticipation surrounding the Apple Vision Pro has been fueled by its unique features and capabilities showcased at WWDC 2023. The mixed reality headset marks Apple’s foray into spatial computing, offering users an immersive and interactive experience. Notably, the Apple Vision Pro is designed to go beyond traditional augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications, providing a seamless blend of the physical and virtual worlds.
One noteworthy aspect of the Apple Vision Pro is its exclusion from third-party sellers, emphasizing Apple’s commitment to delivering a consistent and controlled user experience. The potential delay in the launch timeline allows Apple to conduct thorough testing and ensure that the mixed-reality headset meets the company’s high standards before reaching consumers.
Gurman predicts that Apple will use its spring launch event as a platform to showcase the Apple Vision Pro for the second time. This presentation is expected to include demonstrations of new apps and features introduced since its initial unveiling at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The spring launch event serves as an opportunity for Apple to provide users with a comprehensive overview of the capabilities and functionalities of the mixed-reality headset.
In a related development, Telegram founder Pavel Durov recently teased users with a glimpse of the upcoming Telegram app developed for visionOS, the operating system powering the Apple Vision Pro. The app boasts a translucent design, support for animated stickers, and the ability to view content on a large virtual display. While Telegram offers a sneak peek into the potential applications on visionOS, users can anticipate more developers showcasing their apps and games on this innovative platform as the rumored March 2024 launch date approaches.
As the tech community eagerly awaits further details and an official announcement from Apple, the potential delay in the Apple Vision Pro launch underscores the company’s commitment to delivering a polished and refined product to consumers. The mixed reality headset represents a significant leap forward in spatial computing, and Apple aims to set new standards for user engagement and immersion in the digital realm.
