Apple Vision Pro shipment expected in March

The Apple Vision Pro is still being worked on by Apple, but while initial plans were for a January launch, it seems more likely that the headset will ship in March instead.

Since its introduction at WWDC 2023, Apple offered a broad timeline for the release of the Apple Vision Pro. While it has maintained it will ship in early 2024 without narrowing down the timeframe, it seems that it could end up being later in the period, rather than earlier.

Writing in his "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman claims Apple is still dealing with important tasks related to the headset. Final device testing is apparently underway, but Apple is allegedly still working on plans to distribute the hardware.

Distribution of the Apple Vision Pro should be extremely limited, starting with a U.S. launch and a gradual rollout to other countries.

Since Apple wants to maintain control over the launch of a new platform for the company, it won't be making the headset available via third-party retailers. Instead, customers need to make appointments at Apple Stores or online to get one.

There's also the logistical problem of stocking many SKUs to cover variations in headbands and lenses to consider.

While the hardware is now aiming for a March release, software engineers were still working on the basis of a January launch. Apple's most recent visionOS developer beta has various onboarding assets included within it, which typically doesn't get included until very late in the beta testing and development process.

28 Comments

jkichline 1369 comments · 14 Years

About 1 year ago

They will take orders probably starting end of January and as the other commenter said, promote it in a Super Bowl ad for preorders. Doesn’t make sense to announce around the holidays and all the marketing noise.

lordjohnwhorfin 866 comments · 18 Years

January, March, I can’t wait. This has an insane potential for a bunch of apps that haven’t even been dreamed of yet. And for games… oh boy.

eriamjh 1760 comments · 17 Years

Apple would never piss money away on a Superbowl ad for anything.

They could release it as a superbowl ad to the internet, millions will watch it on youtube, then never show it during the superbowl or pay the fee and they'd get just as many eyeballs on it.

dutchlord 274 comments · 7 Years

That’s too bad as the snow season starts already in January. I need new ski goggles earlier then March.

damn_its_hot 1213 comments · 15 Years

eriamjh said:

Apple would never piss money away on a Superbowl ad for anything.

They could release it as a superbowl ad to the internet, millions will watch it on youtube, then never show it during the superbowl or pay the fee and they'd get just as many eyeballs on it.

So am I to assume you think Steve just decided to “piss money away” on the Mac Superbowl ad? I’m sorry but I must disagree w/u. I worked @ Apple shortly after this and got a copy of that ad on VHS & when friends et al find out i have its always “can we watch it?” That’s an ad that just keeps on giving - most I think would agree that it’s money well spent!