Why the Apple Vision Pro might be a challenge to get your hands on in 2024

The Apple Vision Pro is the tech company’s long-awaited headset — officially called a “spatial computer.” The $3,499 price tag was enough to discourage many of the more casual tech enthusiasts from being among the first to buy it.

However, even if you’re still interested, purchasing one could be harder than expected. 

No specific release date yet

When Apple officially announced the Vision Pro in June 2023, it revealed some important details about the device.

For example, you can use it with prescription lenses but not while wearing your glasses. Instead, Apple will add dedicated lenses to the headset for a fee. The Vision Pro is also privacy-centric, using an iris-identification system to unlock it. 

However, Apple has yet to provide the device’s exact release date. Instead, it should arrive in early 2023, beginning in the United States.

Apple’s press release mentioned it would bring the Vision Pro to additional countries later that year but did not provide more details. 

It’s also worth pointing out that many Apple products have faced delays in being announced or released — including the Vision Pro itself, which many hoped they’d officially hear about in 2022. 

The lack of a precise release date could make it more challenging for some people to purchase the Apple Vision Pro when it does come out.

Moreover, a delayed release date could prompt Apple’s biggest devotees to buy one. That could shut out people who are slightly less motivated. 

Many announcements about the latest tech products and achievements get people excited. They like how advanced algorithms can work orders of magnitude faster than humans when finding data patterns.

However, enthusiasm alone is not always enough to interest them in buying pricey products as soon as they become available. 

Supply chain troubles slashed production numbers

Media coverage from July 2023 indicates Apple’s supply chain partners will produce fewer Vision Pro gadgets than anticipated. Parties familiar with the matter say Luxshare, the device’s sole assembler, will make less than 400,000 units in 2024. 

Additionally, two suppliers providing specific Vision Pro components said Apple only requested 130,000 to 150,000 in the first year.

Apple’s earlier sales targets were to sell 1 million headsets during that time, indicating a significant drop. Industry insiders say Apple made more conservative estimates after doubting it could scale production. 

It’s easy to imagine people with the most resources snatching up as many Apple Vision Pro devices as possible, then selling them much higher than the retail price to people most willing to pay. That would make it much harder to own the device. 

Plus, if first-year production numbers are as low as these reports say, scammers will probably capitalize on the buzz, trying to sell people headsets they don’t actually have. 

Non-U.S. users could initially be shut out even if buying from Apple

Some of the most eager enthusiasts outside the United States may plan trips stateside to buy the headset in Apple retail outlets on its release day or get friends living in the country to send the headsets to wherever they live.

However, if you’re living outside the United States and thinking about one of these options, you might still be out of luck. 

Apple mentions that the Vision Pro will have a new app store that provides content that will work well with the headset.

However, some of Apple’s content is location-restricted. People who get a Vision Pro from the United States and try to use it elsewhere may not get some content. 

Will you still try to get an Apple Vision Pro?

Owning an Apple Vision Pro in 2024 could be an out-of-reach goal. Although Apple’s products are often in high demand, this one has some particular challenges.

However, if you’re still set on getting one, there’s no harm in trying — while keeping realistic expectations.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

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