In response to the plateauing sales in the U.S., Apple is gearing up to introduce its mixed-reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, to seven additional countries. The expansion is slated to take place after the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote, anticipated to begin on June 10, 2024.
Employees at various Apple retail stores globally are reportedly being prepped for the new launch, as they undergo training sessions reminiscent of those conducted in the U.S. The training aims to equip staff with the necessary knowledge to sell the high-end $3,499 headset and provide customers with an engaging introduction to the product. Although an exact launch date hasn’t been confirmed, Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, has indicated a launch in China later in the year.
The Apple Vision Pro’s reach is expected to extend to Australia, China, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, following the conclusion of the WWDC, set to end on June 14. By expanding internationally, Apple hopes to not only bolster sales but also stand strong against competitors in the tech market.
Despite initial predictions of shipping up to 800,000 units in the year, adjustments have reduced forecasts to less than 450,000 units according to analyst estimates. Future models, like the rumored Apple Vision Pro 2, might offer more competitive pricing, potentially starting around $1,500. However, reliable sources suggest that Apple is still exploring ways to reduce manufacturing costs. Consequently, early adopters might need to shoulder a significant cost to experience the latest in Apple’s mixed-reality technology.
This upcoming expansion signifies Apple’s ambitious plan to push the boundaries of innovative wearables globally while continually seeking ways to bridge the gap between high-end technology and consumer affordability.
