Apple’s Vision Pro headphones don’t have a firm release date, but if you’re planning on picking one up, you can expect an even longer wait. According to a new report, Apple has significantly reduced orders for the new wearable device due to “the complexity of the headset’s design and production difficulties”.
The Financial Times report claims that the Apple maker “prepares to manufacture fewer than 400,000 units in 2024”, well below the million units previously announced. Additionally, the publication claims that two vendors of “certain components for the Vision Pro” only supply enough for 130,000 to 150,000 units in the first year. One of the main hurdles that Apple is trying to overcome is “making the screens sleek for the device.”
In addition to low production numbers, Apple is reportedly considering an exclusive retail launch for the Vision Pro. According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple will target “major areas such as New York and Los Angeles” at launch and “ask shoppers in-store to make an appointment to purchase the Vision Pro,” similar to Apple’s Watch was launched.
That doesn’t mean you can’t buy one online. Gurman notes that Apple plans to release an iPhone app to “scan a person’s head” and determine the appropriate light seal. Additionally, shoppers will need to “upload their prescription data” for the glasses before purchasing. Apple did not disclose the cost of prescription lenses for Vision Pro.
The report also claims that Apple Vision Pro will take time to reach third-party retailers due to “triage through delicate supply chain logistics, training sales associates on device setup, and training customers to its use”.
