Apple has expanded the availability of its highly anticipated mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, marking its first release outside the United States. Starting today, customers in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore can purchase the device, while pre-orders are now open in five additional countries worldwide.
The Vision Pro initially launched in the U.S. earlier this year in February, where it garnered significant attention as Apple’s entry into the virtual and augmented reality headset market. With today’s launch, the device is now available for online orders or in-store purchases in four key Asian markets: mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.
Apple has also announced that the Vision Pro will be available for purchase in Australia, Canada, and Europe (specifically France, Germany, and the U.K.) starting July 12, 2024. Pre-orders in these regions have commenced today.
Pre-Order and Pricing Details
Pre-orders opened at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time, corresponding to different local times in the new markets. Here are the starting prices for the 256GB model, excluding prescription lenses and other accessories:
- Australia: $5,999 AUD
- Canada: $4,999 CAD
- France: €3,999 EUR
- Germany: €3,999 EUR
- United Kingdom: £3,499 GBP
Customers interested in trying out the Vision Pro can book a 30-minute demo at their local Apple Store from launch day until July 18, 2024.
The Vision Pro is one of Apple’s most advanced products, showcasing remarkable engineering and technological innovation. Potential buyers are encouraged to visit an Apple Store to experience the device firsthand and thoroughly research its capabilities before making a purchase. Comprehensive details and reviews of the Vision Pro can be found in dedicated roundups available online.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Vision Pro, Apple is facing production challenges. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that Apple will produce fewer than 400,000 units in 2024 due to the complexity of manufacturing. However, Apple is reportedly already working on a new version of the Vision Pro, expected to launch in 2025 at a more affordable price.
The Vision Pro’s international rollout comes almost five months after its U.S. debut. This delay prompted some international users to travel to the U.S. to purchase the headset, with some experiencing issues with customs in their home countries. Despite these challenges, social media has been abuzz with posts from early adopters.
For instance, a notable moment occurred in Japan, where the first Vision Pro buyer was filmed by an existing user, showcasing the excitement and anticipation surrounding the device. Similarly, customers in China have been sharing their experiences on social media, highlighting the headset’s debut at the Apple Store in Wangfujing.
The launch and pre-order process is being carefully managed, with staggered availability to ensure a smooth rollout. Pre-orders opened on June 14, 2024, in China, Japan, and Singapore, with the devices going on sale today. For Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the U.K., pre-orders opened today, and customers can expect deliveries starting July 12, 2024.