Apple $3,499 Vision Pro headset now available to order ahead of Feb. 2 release

Technology
Friday, January 19th, 2024 4:49 pm EDT

Key Points

  • Apple’s Vision Pro Headset Preorders and Market Expectations: Apple’s Vision Pro headset, priced at $3,499, commenced preorders ahead of its scheduled U.S. release on February 2. Notably, this marks Apple’s venture into a new product category, representing its first since the introduction of the Apple Watch in 2015. Wall Street analysts, however, do not anticipate the Vision Pro to achieve the same sales volumes as Apple’s flagship products, such as the iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac, at least in the initial stages. The focus is on the longer-term potential of the Vision Pro, with Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring emphasizing that success is viewed beyond the year 2024.
  • Revenue Estimates and Vision Pro Specifications: Financial analysts, including UBS’ David Vogt, estimate that Apple could generate around $1.4 billion in revenue from the Vision Pro in 2024, assuming the shipment of approximately 400,000 units. In comparison, Apple’s iPhone revenue during its fiscal fourth quarter amounted to $43.81 billion. The entry-level Vision Pro variant comes equipped with 256GB of storage and features the same M2 chip found in some of Apple’s Mac models. Additional options include a 512GB model priced at $3,699 and a 1TB model at $3,899.
  • Spatial Computing Experience and Purchasing Options: The Vision Pro offers a distinctive “spatial computing” experience, serving as a versatile headset that can function as a virtual reality display for activities like movie-watching. Users can also pin multiple apps and screens in their field of view while maintaining awareness of the surrounding environment. Apple’s preorder process encourages customers to use an iPhone or iPad with Face ID for selecting the best-fitting size. The company is facilitating the acquisition of the Vision Pro through a 12-month financing plan, with the $3,499 model available at $291.58 per month. Additionally, Apple provides the option to purchase prescription lens inserts for $149. The Vision Pro was officially unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in 2023, showcasing the tech giant’s strategic entry into the augmented and virtual reality market.

Apple’s much-anticipated Vision Pro headset, priced at $3,499, opened for preorders in the United States on Thursday, with a slated release date of February 2. This marks Apple’s first foray into a new product category since the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015. While Wall Street analysts do not anticipate the Vision Pro achieving the same sales volumes as Apple’s flagship products like the iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac, there is considerable interest in its long-term potential. Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring highlighted that the success of the Vision Pro is seen more as a gradual progression, extending beyond 2024. UBS’ David Vogt estimates that Apple could generate approximately $1.4 billion in revenue from the Vision Pro in 2024, based on the assumption of shipping around 400,000 units, a modest figure in comparison to Apple’s significant iPhone revenue of $43.81 billion during the fiscal fourth quarter. The Vision Pro, available with 256GB storage, features Apple’s M2 chip, similar to some Mac models, with additional options of a 512GB model priced at $3,699 and a 1TB model at $3,899. Positioned as a “spatial computing” device, the headset offers a versatile experience, functioning as a virtual reality display for activities like movie-watching or enabling users to pin multiple apps and screens within their view while remaining aware of their surroundings. Apple’s preorder process encourages customers to utilize an iPhone or iPad with Face ID for selecting the most suitable size. A 12-month financing plan is also available, offering the $3,499 model at $291.58 per month. The headset, unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference in 2023, represents Apple’s strategic move into the augmented and virtual reality space, a market with significant growth potential.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/19/apples-vision-pro-preorders-live-price-specs-release-date.html