You may have to wait a bit longer than initially thought to buy an Apple Vision Pro headset.
When Apple said its first mixed-reality device, a wearable computer that displays 3D apps in your surroundings, would be released in early 2024, many took that to mean next January.
But, the actual release date could be months later, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman.
When is the Apple Vision Pro coming out?
Writing in the latest edition of his Apple newsletter, Gurman states that he now expects the Vision Pro to go on sale “sometime in March”.
The delay is attributed to final distribution preparations and last-minute device testing.
When is the Apple Vision Pro UK release date?
Unfortunately for Brits, the Vision Pro won’t be launching everywhere at once.
The headset will reportedly land in Apple’s native US first, followed by international markets including the UK and Canada in late 2024.
At least that means you’ll know if it’s worth the steep $3,499 (£2,736) price tag, or whether you should wait for the cheaper version Apple is said to be working on.
Apple could offer a closer look at the device in the Spring, ahead of its initial release date.
What is the Apple Vision Pro?
The Vision Pro is Apple’s first attempt at a new product line since the HomePod appeared in 2018.
You control the apps in the headset using your eyes and through hand gestures like pinching. At first, you may think that you’re looking at the world through a clear visor. But, you’re actually seeing video that the built-in cameras are feeding through.
There’s a display across each eye that creates the 3D effects, allowing you to watch blockbuster movies and view “spatial videos” taken on the iPhone 15 Pro in 3D.
The Vision Pro doesn’t just show you digital apps and games superimposed on your real environment. You can also swap your surroundings for virtual environments that envelop you. Apple has shown off experiences featuring lifelike dinosaurs and animated rooms for meditation sessions.
The Standard’s David Phelan was one of the first people to try out the headset outside of Apple staff. It’s safe to say that he was blown away by the device, hailing it “the first headset I’ve tried which has been utterly effective and continuously appealing"
"Actually, it took my breath away,” he added.
Where can you buy the Apple Vision Pro?
Apple is treating the Vision Pro as an exclusive, high-end device. Nowhere is this more apparent than in its sales strategy.
The headset won’t be available anywhere that isn’t an Apple Store. You’ll also need to book an appointment in order to snag one in person, although it will also be available to buy online through Apple.
It seems that Apple doesn’t trust outsiders to do its new VisionOS software justice, so it’s taking it upon itself to guide shoppers through it.
