What you should know
- Apple‘s first headset, the Vision Pro, is now available for pre-order online, exclusively for US residents. The price is set at $3,499 for the 256GB version, excluding prescription lenses.
- To pre-order the Vision Pro, customers need access to an iPhone or iPad that supports Face ID. The device is used to take measurements for the right head straps and accessories.
- Customers needing prescription lenses will have to provide a valid vision prescription. There are two types of lenses available, Readers for $90 and Prescription for $150.
- Initial availability of the Vision Pro is limited, with less than 10,000 units available at launch. An international version of the Vision Pro is planned for later in 2024.
Full Story
Heads up, folks! Online pre-orders for the Vision Pro are now live on Apple’s online store. But here’s the catch – it’s only available to residents of the US for now.
The price tag? A cool $3,499 for the 256GB version. That includes accessories, but not prescription lenses.
And here’s another thing. To get your hands on one, you need an iPhone or iPad that supports Face ID.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane. It feels like just yesterday when Apple announced the Vision Pro at WWDC 2023. We all went “woah”.
I get it, not everyone is into the XR industry. But trust me, that announcement shook things up.
It’s not every day that Apple announces entirely new product categories, right? And the Vision Pro isn’t your run-of-the-mill VR headset. It’s high-end, less about entertainment, and more about getting stuff done through mixed-reality.
Fast forward to 2024, today, January 19 at 08:00 ET, pre-orders for the Vision Pro go live exclusively on the Apple Store. But it’s not as simple as “add to cart and check out”. Let me help you get your Vision Pro order in as smoothly as possible.
So, what do you need to know about Vision Pro pre-orders? There are two main things, and a couple of other considerations.
First up, make sure you’ve got an iPad Pro or iPhone with face-scanning capabilities. Before you can submit your Vision Pro order, Apple needs to take your measurements to pack in the right head straps and accessories with the headset. No need for a ruler, it’s an automated face scan.
But you need a device for that face scan. That means an iPhone X or later, or a Gen 3 or later 12.9″ iPad Pro or any of the 11″ iPad Pro models.
Next, you need to make sure your App Store is updated. That’s where you’ll go to take the face scan. The last update should be from January 11, 2024. As far as we know, Apple isn’t planning to release a new update before Vision Pro pre-orders go live.
To check for updates, go to Settings → General → Software Updates. If there’s something pending, install it before pre-ordering your Vision Pro unit.
But what if you don’t have an iPhone or iPad Pro? Well, you’ll have to wait until the headset is available in physical Apple Store locations.
Now, let’s talk about prescription lenses. If you need them, have a valid vision prescription on hand. Apple will need to validate it. Keep in mind, lenses will cost extra.
There are two types of lenses available, created in collaboration with Zeiss: Readers for $90 and Prescription for $150. You’ll be asked a few questions about your glasses or contacts during the process.
Rumor has it, there will be a limited quantity of Vision Pro headsets available. Sources vary, but it’s always said to be less than 10,000 units at launch.
So, if you’re sure you want Apple’s spatial computer, be prepared and ready to place your pre-order on January 19 at 08:00 ET on Apple’s online store.
Don’t stress if it doesn’t work out or if you want to see the device in-person before committing to a $3,500 purchase. You can look forward to the Vision Pro’s launch on February 2.
One more thing. This is strictly a US-based launch. Apple plans to bring an international version of the Vision Pro later in 2024. We don’t know when exactly, but anyone who purchases the headset and tries to use it outside of the US may face limitations.
