Vision Pro expected release date: When is Apple's AR-VR headset coming out?

At WWDC 2023, Apple laid the foundation for its future when it revealed the Apple Vision Pro. The headset supports both AR and VR, operating mostly as a standalone device like the Meta Quest, but with options to tie into other Apple devices like Macs. The company is very optimistic about its “spatial computing” approach. The more immediate question, though, is when exactly is the Vision Pro releasing for consumers? We’ll share what we know so far.

When will the Apple Vision Pro go on sale?

In the US, the Vision Pro will be available sometime in early 2024. Mark Gurman claims that Apple is shooting for March 2024 to release the headset in the US. The headset will go on sale through Apple.com and Apple Store locations around the country. Additional countries will get the headset later in 2024.

To be clear, no specific release date has been set, or even rumored. Since the device requires face mapping for a precise fit, it’s unlikely to be sold through third-party retailers in its initial months.

Why is the headset taking so long to go on sale?

Apple spent much of its time at WWDC 2023 introducing the Vision Pro and walking the world through what it can do. But the company has been clear that the product category is new (from its perspective), and still needs an ecosystem to support it. The unveiling was intended to attract developer interest, laying the groundwork for apps.

The company is also thought to be refining many of the Vision Pro’s details. While companies like Meta and HTC have been in the AR/VR space for a while, Apple has had to create an entirely new operating system, and will probably try to tweak the hardware as much as it can too while keeping big details locked in place.

How much does the Apple Vision Pro cost?

The Vision Pro will start at $3,499 in the US. The full slate of upgrade options is unknown.

Apple will at least be offering headbands of different sizes and styles, and it would come as no surprise if headbands utilizing “premium” materials cost significantly more. For wearers needing prescription glasses, Apple will also be selling optical inserts by Zeiss specifically made for the Vision Pro.

Apple hasn’t mentioned anything about this yet, but we speculate that the company might launch bigger battery packs in the future, since a 2-hour (wireless) runtime isn’t enough for many movies, let alone a workday. The interim solution will probably involve buying a second standard battery and swapping to it when the original is nearly dry.

Is the Apple Vision Pro worth it?

At a starting price of $3,499, the Vision Pro will be out of reach for most consumers, even many who consider themselves well-off. The target audience seems to be developers and other workplace professionals, though some rich Apple fans may buy it regardless.

Why? While AR and VR headsets are nothing new, the Vision Pro pushes out the edge of those technologies to present an elevated experience. Sans controllers you may not be able to play games like Half-Life: Alyx, but turning your MacBook into a (virtual) multi-monitor workstation should be something to behold. The same goes for watching movies on the biggest screen your eye can handle.

A good rule of thumb when spending money is determining if you can afford two. If the answer is yes, you’re in a comfortable position to buy one and enjoy it without the stress of keeping it pristine. If the answer is no, move on. It’s not worth emptying your savings account for something you probably don’t need.

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