Apple Vision Pro headset: Launch date, pricing revealed

Apple Vision Pro, unveiled in the summer will have a price starting at $3,499 according to the tech giant.

Apple has confirmed the date for the launch of Apple Vision Pro. This much-touted device is a spatial computing device. The mixed reality headset will be available in the U.S. starting at $3,499 on February 2. Canada and the United Kingdom are expected to follow in later this year.

Apple announced on Monday that its Vision Pro augmented-reality headset will be available in the U.S. on February 2.

Apple announced that pre-orders will begin on January 19, ahead of the device’s debut in February. Apple’s U.S. physical stores and online store will stock the Vision Pro when it launches.

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, called it the “most advanced consumer electronic device ever created”, and declared that the “era of spatial computing” has arrived.

Apple hasn’t revealed the exact configuration of the Apple Vision Pro ahead of the pre-orders that begin on Friday, 19 January, but we know what comes in every box.

What’s inside the Apple Vision Pro box?

Vision Pro Headset:

• Advanced eye-tracking and hand-tracking technologies
• Ultra-high-resolution displays on each eye
• Speakers on either side and an EyeSight screen in front
• Minimum onboard storage of 256GB for media and applications

Headbands:

• Dual Loop Band: Two adjustable upper and lower straps for a customized fit
• Solo Knit Band: Single wrap-around band for comfort and customizability

Light Seal:

• Made from soft fabric, comes in various shapes and sizes
• Flexes to fit the user’s facial shape for a perfect fit
• Blocks external light to enhance the immersive experience

Two Light-Seal Cushions:

• Available in two sizes for additional comfort and light-blocking capabilities
• Ensure a snug fit on the face and prevent light leakage

Front Glass Cover:

• Protects headset’s front lens when not in use
• Prevents scratches

Polishing Cloth:

• Soft, lint-free cloth designed to clean front and rear glass lenses without scratching

Battery Pack:

• External power source for longer use times and greater portability
• Provides 2 hours of general use and 2.5 hours of 2D video playback

USB Power Adapter:

• Charges headset’s batteries
• Apple has not confirmed extended external power source capability beyond the portable battery

USB Charging Cable:

• Connects headset or battery pack to a USB-C charger

Vision Pro Device:

• Blends digital and physical content
• Unlocks powerful spatial experience in visionOS according to the tech giant

Apple claims that users wearing the headset can see several apps side-by-side, which could boost productivity.

Apple has said that the new spatial games will be compatible with the headset. They also have compatibility with many existing games. movies and TV on a screen “100 feet wide”. This includes content from Apple TV+ and Disney+.

Apple stated that “where a user is looking while using Vision Pro remains private, and eye-tracking information is not shared by Apple, third-party apps or websites.”

The device will be equipped with an Optic ID for locking and unlocking, based on the user’s Iris. Apple has partnered with ZEISS to provide the custom-made inserts.

Apple will sell optional optical inserts to users who wear glasses. These will cost $99. They will not be included in the package and must be purchased separately. 

Apple has also announced that customers will receive a single knit band as well as a dual loop for wearing headsets.

Apple will begin offering Vision Pro demos in U.S. Apple stores on the launch day. 

It released its Apple Watch Series 9 at that time. It released new versions of the iMac, MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch Series 9 in October.

In mid-September, it launched a new iPhone 15s with prices ranging between $799 and $1,199, depending on the model. Apple has announced that demos will be available through the weekend, on a “first-come-first-served” basis. Signups begin at 8 am on Tuesday, February 2.