Apple’s Vision Pro headset finally has a release date. Apple will accept preorders for Vision Pro in the United States starting Friday, January 19, at 5 a.m. Pacific, the company said Monday.
The headset’s retail availability will begin February 2 at all U.S. Apple Stores, with in-store demos also beginning that day. You also can place your Vision Pro order through Apple’s online store.
Apple Vision Pro headset launch date: Feb. 2, 2024
Apple’s long-awaited headset boasts high-end hardware and an innovative user interface in a pricey device designed for “spatial computing.” Unveiled last June at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, the headset costs $3,499, and extras can drive the cost even higher. Vision Pro allows virtual reality and augmented reality experiences, from immersive 3D games and movies to unique collaborative work environments.
The Vision Pro launch is widely seen as a risky move for Apple as the company attempts to establish its first major new product category in nearly a decade. While some who demoed the device hail it as a game changer, the high price, the lack of a clear killer app and the general weirdness of donning what amounts to high-tech ski goggles for computing combine to make the headset a tough sell for consumers.
Vision Pro preorders start Jan. 19
The Vision Pro release date announcement comes less than 24 hours after a report said the headset has begun shipping to U.S. warehouses.
The launch of the Vision Pro also will mark the debut of the new visionOS App Store. Apple has worked with developers behind the scenes since WWDC23 to build apps for its AR headset. The company says the App Store will provide Vision Pro users access to “more than 1 million compatible apps across iOS and iPadOS.” This will include access to more than 250 Apple Arcade titles, including games like Sonic Dream Team, Super Fruit Ninja and NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition.
“The era of spatial computing has arrived,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in Monday’s press release. “Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created. Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore.”
Apple’s press release confirms the Vision Pro will ship with two straps: a flexible Solo Knit Band and a Dual Loop Band. This will ensure you can get the most comfortable fit possible.
Photo: Apple
Zeiss Optical Inserts are available for $99 or $149
If you wear glasses, you will need extra hardware. Apple will sell Zeiss Optical Inserts that magnetically attach to the Vision Pro. This will ensure you can “take full advantage of the display’s incredible sharpness and clarity,” the company said. The Zeiss Optical Inserts (Readers) will cost $99, while the Prescription version will retail for $149.
Also in the Vision Pro box, according to Apple: “a Light Seal, two Light Seal Cushions, an Apple Vision Pro Cover for the front of the device, Polishing Cloth, Battery, USB-C Charge Cable, and USB-C Power Adapter.”
In the United States, Apple Vision Pro will cost $3,499 before taxes. This model will ship with 256GB storage, and it is unclear if Apple plans to offer variants with higher storage.
The era of spatial computing has arrived! Apple Vision Pro is available in the US on February 2. pic.twitter.com/5BK1jyEnZN
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) January 8, 2024
Sign up for a Vision Pro demo on Feb. 2
In an email to customers Monday following the Vision Pro launch announcement, Apple said the headset “introduces the era of spatial computing, where digital content blends seamlessly with your physical space. So you can do the things you love in ways never before possible.”
If you want to try it yourself before committing to a $3,500-plus purchase, you should prep for a Vision Pro demo at your nearest Apple Store.
“Starting at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 2, we invite you to sign up for a demo of Apple Vision Pro at your local Apple Store,” Apple said in Monday’s email. “Demo times will be available Friday through the weekend on a first-come, first-served basis. We can’t wait to see you there.”
Apple did not mention anything about the Vision Pro’s international launch in its announcement.
