Apple is set to broaden the availability of its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset beyond the borders of the United States, as reported by Bloomberg News on Monday. This move aims to spark interest in one of its most significant investments in recent years.
In preparation for this international rollout, Apple has flown in hundreds of employees from its global retail outlets to Cupertino, California. These employees are undergoing extensive training on how to effectively showcase the $3,499 headset to prospective customers. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that this training program spans up to four days.
When Will Apple Vision Pro Be Available In Other Countries?
The company intends to introduce the Vision Pro to international markets following its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), slated for June 10 to June 14. Among the countries expected to be among the first to receive the device are Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and China.
The Vision Pro headset made its debut in June of the previous year and became available for purchase in the U.S. on February 2. Its expansion into international markets comes at a crucial time for Apple, as it seeks to maintain momentum amid slowing sales of its flagship iPhone.
Demand Dims
Despite the initial excitement surrounding the Vision Pro, which boasts a hefty price tag, demand has reportedly begun to taper off, according to analysts' observations.
In a statement to China's state-run CCTV Finance in March, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed plans to introduce the Vision Pro to the mainland Chinese market within the year. He also emphasized the company's commitment to increasing research and development investments in China.
Earliert this month, Apple's recent 'Let Loose' event showcased the latest additions to its iPad lineup, including the iPad Pro and iPad Air. However, conspicuous by its absence was an update to the iPad Mini.
Speculation within the industry suggests that a new iteration of the iPad Mini may debut later this year. Bloomberg's tech analyst Mark Gurman hinted at this possibility, suggesting that the anticipated refresh may primarily focus on a faster chip, rather than groundbreaking design changes.