Anticipation was building at the WWDC 2023 when Apple unveiled a sneak peek of its ambitious mixed-reality headset. Surprisingly, the Apple Vision Pro headset might hit the shelves sooner than expected. Initially hinted to arrive in early 2024, there’s now buzz about a possible launch as early as February, courtesy of production ramp-ups signaling imminent release preparations.Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, known for his accurate Apple insights, suggests there might be no grand release event, with the headset potentially heading straight to retail amidst its steep pricing.
The timing of Apple’s headset debut is intriguing, especially as the market’s enthusiasm for virtual and mixed reality seems to wane. Data from CNBC’s Circana shows a sharp 40 percent decline in VR and AR hardware sales in 2023, totaling $664 million—a starker contrast to the mere 2 percent dip the year before.
Release Schedule for Apple Vision Pro Headset
As the launch date nears, hopes are high despite the $3,499 price point, which might be a reach for many. Apple has been strategically preparing for the release, training its retail staff to deliver comprehensive demos to potential customers, starting as early as January. The company is betting on an immersive in-store experience to drive its sales.
The unveiling will coincide with the official introduction of VisionOS, the software heart of the headset. Expect further enhancements later in the year in line with Apple’s routine updates schedule.
What to Expect From Apple’s Mix Reality Headset
The headset boasts signature Apple elegance, featuring a sleek continuous glass design supported by an aluminum frame, with intuitive controls such as eye-tracking, hand gestures, voice commands, and even a digital crown. Powered by Apple silicon and equipped with crisp micro-OLED displays, the audio-visual experience should be top-tier.
In addition, this device seamlessly pairs with the latest iPhones, further enriching its functionality and likely driving sales of Apple’s premium smartphones featuring advanced capabilities like 3D spatial video recording.
Looking Ahead to the Apple Vision Pro and Beyond
Speculation is already circulating about the next iteration, the Apple Vision Pro 2, even though the first model is yet to grace the market. Though only minimal changes are expected, the mere idea of an imminent successor could persuade potential buyers to postpone their purchase in favor of waiting for the newer model.
For tech enthusiasts captivated by what the mixed reality realm has to offer, the Apple Vision Pro headset is sure worth the wait, and with its release on the horizon, it might be wise to start earmarking funds for this innovative piece of technology.
