Pre-Orders For The Apple Vision Pro VR Headset Are Already Mostly Sold Out

Reading Time: 2 minutes

TL;DR:

• Pre-orders for Apple’s Vision Pro headset sold out rapidly across the U.S. despite $3,500 price tag
• Initial stock of 80K devices gone in hours but questions remain if interest is sustainable
• Key app holdouts like YouTube also create uncertainty around mainstream appeal

The Apple Vision Pro Pre-Order Sold Out Quickly

When Apple opened pre-orders for its Vision Pro virtual reality headset on Friday, the $3,500+ device sold out in near-record time. According to multiple reports, shipping times were pushed back to March within hours due to overwhelming demand that outpaced the tech giant’s available supply.

Apple had reportedly stockpiled as many as 80,000 units in preparation for the highly-anticipated launch that experts predict could revolutionize computing in the years ahead.

In case you are curious, $3,500 * 80,000 = $280,000,000! Not bad for a pre-order!

However, that initial stash of 80,000 units swiftly vanished as Apple fans and early tech adopters jumped on what’s likely to become a hot luxury gift item this year.

“There’s no availability within your location,” the Apple website informed many would-be buyers. “Please try another search.”

That message popped up in big cities and small towns across America, signaling the first crop of Vision Pro devices had been wiped clean for the time being. Apple originally said Vision Pro headsets would start arriving on buyers’ doorsteps beginning February 2nd, though new orders aren’t expected to ship now until next month at the earliest.

VR Visionary Or Passing Fad?

As with any first-generation Apple product, shortages were fully anticipated. Pre-orders were restricted to a limited quantity as Apple gears up production efforts to meet demand that many expect to taper off after an initial surge.

The Vision Pro is considered the next quantum leap forward for Apple after the iPhone, promising to revolutionize how consumers interact with the digital world. But questions remain if everyday users are ready to strap high-powered computers over their eyes.

“While Apple may have sold out of its initial Vision Pro stock, concerns remain about broader mainstream appeal,” said media executive Frank Radice. “The real test will be sustained demand over the next 6-12 months after early adopters get their hands on the device.”

Some Key Holdouts For Now

While the pre-order numbers seem auspicious, Apple still faces headwinds convincing some major developers to build apps tailored for the headset. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify and DoorDash are among firms that are not planning dedicated Vision Pro apps for now.

Their hesitation stems partly from uncertainty if the emerging VR/AR market can evolve past its niche status dominated currently by high-end gamers and video production pros. Questions also linger how readily mass consumers will take to wearing restrictive headgear for extended stretches.

“Convincing users to strap a pound of electronics to their face is a tall order,” Radice said. “ Apple could still struggle translating early Vision Pro interest into a thriving platform like the App Store.”

Hardware Reservations

The Vision Pro model being released February 2nd will come with three storage options: 256GB for $3,499, 512GB for $3,699 and a 1TB version for $3,899. Extra batteries, cases and accessories could easily push the final tab over $4,000 for early buyers.

That lofty price tag alone may give some consumers pause no matter how slick the technology proves itself. While the Vision Pro no doubt contains cutting-edge innovations that could ste….

Pre-Orders For Apple’s Futuristic Vision Pro Headset Are Mostly Sold Out. $AAPL #AppleVisionPro #Apple #VisionPro #AR #VR Share on X