Customers hoping to get one of the few Apple Vision Pro units at launch will have to jump through a few hoops first, including a face scan.
Apple Vision Pro is a complicated product that needs various accessories sized to fit the visor to the user's face. Because of this, Apple will require users to perform a 3D scan of their face for accurate measuring via the Apple Store app while ordering.
Code for the face scan was discovered by MacRumors in the Apple Store app, which includes text that reads, "You may scan your face to determine your size for Apple Vision Pro." This scan likely isn't mandatory, but it provides users with sizing information so they don't have to guess at checkout.
Apple says it will offer different-sized head straps and light seals to ensure everyone gets a good fit. What sizes are available has not been shared, but Apple will include both a Solo Knit Band and a Dual Loop Band in the packaging.
Apple Vision Pro pre-orders begin on January 19, and customers will have to order sight unseen. Having the Apple Store app on iPhone scan the user's face is a useful addition, but it adds seconds during a checkout process where every moment is precious.
Rumors from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that availability will be severely limited at launch. There could be as few as 60,000 units shipping for the February 2 launch.
We're hopeful that Apple will introduce pre-order options prior to January 19 so customers can configure their order before the frenzy, similar to how iPhone pre-orders work. Information about storage tiers and other accessory options remains scarce.
Apple Vision Pro is up for pre-order on January 19 and ships on February 2. It starts at $3,499 with 256GB of storage.
18 Comments
Yup, we've known about the required facial scanning for proper fit since June.
I'm curious how big of a fiasco it's going to be to go into an Apple Store to demo a unit. They should do it by appointment with a required face scan before the appointment so everything is ready for you to try out. If they're just allowing everyone to come in to wait around in the store for one of the scarce demo units to be available, then having to go through a fitting and set up process along with being trained how to use it, man that will be a disaster with the time involved and so many waiting around to try it. But on the other hand, I can see people going to the store to try it out and being told, oh you have to make an appointment, the next one is in 3 weeks, and that not going over too well with customers either, so who knows.
That sounds like a benefit considering the fit of VR headsets is a major pain point and Apple has years of experience with secure and private face scanning.
The scalpers will have to buy one in every size ;)