Accessible Everywhere: Apple Vision Pro Headset Hits Online and In-Store Shelves Across All US Apple Store Locations
Apple enthusiasts in the US can mark their calendars as the highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro, the tech giant’s inaugural mixed reality headset, is set to hit the market in February, with pre-orders commencing on January 19. The headset, unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June of the previous year, is a groundbreaking foray into mixed reality, seamlessly integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. Running on the innovative visionOS operating system, the Apple Vision Pro will be available both online at the Apple Store and at all physical Apple Store locations across the US.
The official launch date for the Apple Vision Pro is confirmed for February 2, as announced on Apple’s newsroom site. Interested users can explore the headset firsthand by signing up for trials at Apple’s retail stores. Pre-orders for the device will open at 5:00 am PST on January 19 (6:30 pm IST), allowing enthusiasts to secure their unit ahead of the official release.
Priced at $3,499 (approximately Rs. 2,90,000) for the 256GB storage variant, the Apple Vision Pro package comes complete with a Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop Band. Additional inclusions comprise a Light Seal, two Light Seal Cushions, a polishing cloth, a battery, a USB Type-C cable, and a USB Type-C adapter. To protect the front of the device, an Apple Vision Pro cover is also part of the comprehensive offering. Apple’s foray into mixed reality promises an immersive experience for users, blending cutting-edge technology with a sleek design.
For those with vision correction needs, ZEISS Optical Inserts are available with a prescription or as readers that magnetically attach to Vision Pro. Apple says that readers will cost $99 (roughly Rs. 8,000), while prescription lenses are available for $149 (roughly Rs. 12,000).
Prices and release dates for the Apple Vision Pro in countries other than the US are yet to be announced.
The Apple Vision Pro was unveiled at Apple’s WWDC event in June last year marking the company’s foray into spatial computing. It runs on visionOS and features two high-resolution micro-OLED displays. It is powered by Apple’s M2 chips and includes an R1 chip to process input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones. The headset has a three-dimensional user interface and input system controlled by a user’s eyes, hands, and voice. With the twist of the Digital Crown, users can control the level of immersion in different environments.
Apple claims that more than 1 million apps across iOS and iPadOS are available on Apple Vision Pro and automatically work with the new input system. Users can pair it with a Magic Keyboard and Trackpad for productivity needs. It lets users stream shows and movies from platforms including Apple TV+, Disney+ Max and more. For gamers, the Vision Pro offers over 250 Apple Arcade titles.