Apple Vision Pro Production Ramped Up In China, Set For February Launch: Report

Apple has reached out to software developers, urging them to prepare for the imminent headset by conducting tests on their applications designed for the platform.

In anticipation of the forthcoming February launch of Apple's Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, recent insights from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman indicate heightened production activities in China over the past few weeks. Scheduled for customer readiness by the end of January, the official launch is slated for the subsequent month.

As part of the pre-launch activities, Apple has reached out to software developers, urging them to prepare for the imminent headset by conducting tests on their applications designed for the platform. This move serves as a clear indication that the release is drawing near. The report further delves into the challenges Apple faces in the preparation for the Vision Pro's debut and the measures being taken to equip stores adequately.

To ensure a smooth rollout, Apple is organizing two-day training workshops at its Cupertino headquarters from January onwards, involving at least two retail staff members from each store. These trained individuals will subsequently lead their store's Vision Pro sales and provide training to other employees. The sessions are designed to cover the headset's features, sales messaging, and customer interaction etiquette. Additionally, an Apple app, capable of scanning heads to recommend appropriate accessory sizes, will facilitate the fitting process.

The Vision Pro's entry into the hands of consumers will involve a meticulous deployment across Apple's retail stores. The company is reportedly enhancing its stores to accommodate the various accessories the Vision Pro supports, including prescription lenses and light seals with multiple size options.

In contrast to the heightened anticipation leading up to the Apple Watch release, the run-up to the Vision Pro's launch has been relatively subdued since its debut at the June developers conference. The report notes that, unlike the Apple Watch, which had two preceding events, the Vision Pro's launch will be characterized by a quieter approach. Apple intends to showcase additional features on its website rather than through flashy events, possibly attributed to its $3,500 price tag and initial availability limited to the United States.

Recognizing potential in corporate settings and schools, Apple envisions the Vision Pro's success in markets where previous augmented reality (AR) attempts have faced challenges. The company aims to replicate the eventual mainstream appeal achieved by the Apple Watch, envisioning the headset as integral to business and educational workflows.

The Vision Pro launch is expected to set the stage for a series of new Apple mixed-reality devices, with ongoing efforts reportedly directed at developing the next iteration of visionOS, the operating system powering the headset. Anticipated in 2024, this update will coincide with the next updates to Apple's suite of devices.