The expensive $3,499 mixed reality Apple Vision Pro headset is proving to be quite popular, with pre-orders for the new technology allegedly coming in at 180,000 units.
Despite not having a YouTube app or even Netflix support, the Apple Vision Pro is seemingly doing quite well for its niche appeal. With competitors such as Sony working on a mixed reality competitor, or even LG, could this be the start of a new market?
According to tech analyst Min-Chi Kuo, Apple Vision Pro pre-orders are currently sitting between 160,000 and 180,000 pre-orders worldwide. The analyst previously predicted that the headsets would only ship between 60,000 to 80,000 units around launch.
While impressive, Kuo noted that the longevity of the new Apple headset is still yet to be seen. In fact, shipping numbers have remained unchanged since showing that the die hard fans are ready for day one, but numbers outside of that audience are likely to be slim.
Of course, Apple is not the first company to create a mixed reality headset. At the time of writing, the Meta Quest 3 is one of the most popular mixed reality headsets, despite having a rough launch with Meta cutting back supply. Meta previously attempted to create a more lavish headset just like Apple in the form of the Meta Quest Pro, but it’s since been discontinued.
The Apple Vision Pro is a very much a different product than Meta’s headset. While the Meta Quest products are designed around heavy gaming and public interactions, Apple’s device is more designed for consuming film and TV.
Apple has partnered with Disney to bring 3D movies to the headset via Disney Plus. Alongside Paramount, Max and more, the upcoming headset will have access to a fair few entertainment apps, even if most will be simple ports of existing iPad apps.
The Apple Vision Pro finally launches on February 2, 2024.