Apple hasn’t released Vision Pro in China yet, but that hasn’t stopped scads of merchants from offering the headset for rent to enthusiasts. Many of them appear to think the AR headset may go beyond typical gaming uses, a new report says. Vision Pro rentals in China have attracted tens of thousands of customers.
Some eager testers think Apple’s pricey Vision Pro bests competitors like Meta’s Quest 3, as well.
Vision Pro rentals in China spike while enthusiasts wait for official release
Dozens of advertisements for Vision Pro rental abound in Beiging, Shanghai, Nanjing and Xian at prices of about $13.60 an hour to $208 per day plus deposit ($4,168 or more), according to South China Morning Post.
This is their chance to make some money before the headset officially goes on sale in the country. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently said that would happen “soon,” but provided no details.
A Chinese financial media site reported that Vision Pro’s registration process with the government was “nearing completion.” And release should come no later than May.
10,000 renters at once location
One large store called Vision Space in Beijing said 10,000 people have lined up to try the headset since February 4.
“It’s been super busy over the weekend as people line up to interact with the gadget,” said the owner.
One happy customer at that locations said Vision Pro “excelled” the [Meta] Quest 3 “in every sense.”
A person in Shanghai called renting “better than Apple Store’s 30-minute demo session.” Like the headset, demos of it aren’t available in China yet.
Many renters might be future buyers
Another person leasing Vision Pro tries said the rental fees he charges should recoup the cost of the headset in 3 months.
Someone else who rents out the gadgets said most people were satisfied and more than half said they want to buy Vision Pro.
Reviews of Vision Pro in China have been favorable but mixed, though buzz over the product continues to build.
