Apple’s Vision Pro headset could be on the brink of launch which are U.S. Apple Store retail locations, beginning final preparations for the device to go on sale.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in the latest “Power On” newsletter, Gurman said that the Vision Pro is now shipping in small quantities to warehouses across the United States ahead of direct distribution to Apple retail stores. Although Apple has yet to announce an official release date, it is looking to have sufficient stock ready in the U.S. by the end of January to launch in February. Gurman has also stated that he expects Apple to make a Vision Pro-related announcement “in the next week or so” to “take some of the spotlight away from CES,” which starts on Tuesday, January 9.
It’s also been noted that on January 21, all Apple Stores in the United States will hold an unusual three-hour-long meeting for all employees that will likely involve training and explanation of the sales procedure related to the device. Further training sessions are planned for the subsequent days, followed by the reception of new inventory racks and backroom equipment.
Finally, it’s been noted that Luxshare, the Chinese assembler of the Vision Pro, held a delivery ceremony last month to mark the first official shipments of the completed headset. Apple has also purportedly filed design patents “for every hardware and software element of the device,” which further suggests that the launch is likely to be very soon.
It’s unknown when the Vision Pro will become available via online pre-orders, and Apple may initially only offer an online reservation for an appointment at an Apple Store involving a light seal and headband fitting.
Gurman has also stated that he doesn’t believe the Vision Pro will launch around the world until “much later” than its U.S. release. Apple is said to be considering the United Kingdom, Canada, and China as the next markets to receive the product.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.