Report: Apple Accelerates Production of Vision Pro in China Ahead of February Launch
As per a recent report, Apple seems poised to unveil its inaugural wearable mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, within the next few months. Manufacturing efforts are reportedly intensifying at assembly plants located in China, suggesting the company’s proactive steps in preparation for the launch of this spatial computer. Additionally, Apple has been diligently training its retail employees in the United States for the impending headset release. Collaborating closely with app developers, the tech giant is also facilitating the creation of apps tailored for visionOS, the operating system designed specifically for the Vision Pro, highlighting Apple’s comprehensive strategy leading up to the anticipated launch.
A Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter states that production of the Vision Pro has been “running at full speed” for weeks now, and Apple is planning to have units ready by the end of next month and launch the product for retail customers in February. Despite the purported timeline, any challenges related to production might end up delaying Apple’s plans, as per the report.
Earlier this year, Apple said it would launch the Vision Pro in the US in “early 2024”. The company set up centres in several countries for developers to test out their apps using the headset, and has provided resources to aid the development of apps for visionOS. Recently, Telegram’s Pavel Durov teased the chat platform’s app for the Vision Pro, with three-dimensional message effects, an immersive media player, and support for voice typing.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman’s recent update, the highly anticipated launch of the Apple Vision Pro might face a potential delay until March. This delay purportedly stems from Apple’s meticulous completion of final device testing and the establishment of a comprehensive distribution strategy for this high-end wearable, which boasts a hefty price tag of $3,499 (approximately Rs. 2.91 lakh).
An earlier report by FT earlier this year disclosed insights into Apple’s production strategy for the Vision Pro, highlighting Luxshare as the exclusive assembler, expected to manufacture less than 400,000 units in 2024. This revelation suggested Apple’s adjustment in production projections for the headset.
While the Vision Pro awaits its US launch, rumors have surfaced regarding Apple’s ongoing development of a second-generation headset under the moniker “Project Alaska.” Allegedly, this successor could showcase a redesigned rear strap and potentially incorporate support for an external audio accessory instead of the existing audio module featured in the Vision Pro. However, it’s crucial to approach these details with caution, as there hasn’t been any official confirmation from Apple regarding plans for a successor to the slated early 2024 release of the initial headset.
