Recently, according to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple hopes to launch the Vision Pro before February 2024 and is increasing production to meet the release date.
(Screenshot of Vision Pro Apple website)
In the past few weeks, the Vision Pro production line has been running at full speed to ensure sufficient inventory by the end of January next year for retail releases in February. Apple had already released this headset device as early as June this year and announced that the product would be officially launched in early 2024.
Gurman stated that although Apple plans to release Vision Pro in February, subsequent production issues or other factors may lead to a delay in the final release.
Recently, Apple sent an email to software developers encouraging them to use the latest tools to test their applications, prepare for the arrival of Vision Pro, and submit their software to Apple for feedback. Gurman pointed out that this is another sign that Vision Pro is about to be released.
Gurman stated that Vision Pro is Apple's first new product category since the launch of the AppleWatch in 2015. The company aims to promote a novel concept to consumers: mixed reality (MR), which combines virtual reality and augmented reality. This is a considerable pressure for Apple.
Bloomberg reported that Vision Pro is considered Apple's most complex product to date and requires a new sales strategy. In addition, Vision Pro has multiple possible configurations and needs to be customized according to the needs of each customer.
The sales of Vision Pro will first be limited to the United States, and consumers can go to retail stores to purchase, or place orders online and then pick up goods offline. This may be because Apple wants to ensure that its customers can purchase the right headsets for optimal fit.
In addition, Apple plans to develop an application aimed at better addressing product compatibility issues. This application can scan the customer's head and provide recommendations for suitable headbands and light sealing kits. However, during the sales process, retail employees need to confirm whether the recommendations for the application are accurate.
To ensure that stores can follow up quickly, Apple plans to require each retail store to send at least two employees to headquarters for training early next year. Trained employees will be responsible for primarily selling the equipment in their retail stores and guiding other employees on how to effectively promote and sell the product.
During the training process, employees will also learn how to install headbands, optional prescription lenses, and light sealing kits to ensure that they are not affected by external light interference when using Vision Pro. Due to the customized components of Vision Pro, assembly is required at the point of sale. In addition, due to the complex design of Vision Pro, if not worn correctly, it will not be able to display content properly and may bring additional pressure to the wearer.
According to technology media MacRumors, Vision Pro will be equipped with Apple's first spatial computing operating system, called VisionOS. This new operating system features a unique 3D interface, allowing users to see and experience digital content in the real world.
In terms of control methods, VisionOS adopts various control methods such as gestures, eye movements, and voice commands, achieving more diverse interaction methods. Some users who have undergone internal testing have indicated that this navigation solution is natural and intuitive.
In addition, the Vision Pro headset allows for connection with an iPhone or Bluetooth keyboard for users to type, and offers alternative solutions such as virtual keyboards and listening to recorded text.
Bloomberg reported that after a surge in consumer technology spending during the pandemic, Apple's sales have stagnated over the past year. Apple's main product businesses, including iPhone, Mac, iPad, and wearable devices, are all showing a downward trend. The only highlight is Apple's service business.
Although Wall Street analysts are not optimistic about the significant recovery of Apple products, they believe that the company will at least promote some new technologies.
In 2024, the iPhone will continue to be upgraded. As Apple's most important product, the iPhone contributes more than half of the company's revenue. However, there will not be significant changes to the iPhone: Apple plans to retain the design of the iPhone 15 while increasing the screen size of the Pro model. Low end models will be equipped with custom "action" buttons and a button specifically designed for taking photos will be added.
Next year, Apple will launch a brand new appearance of the Apple Watch, ushering in an update. It is expected that Apple is developing two important health features, hypertension monitoring and sleep apnea detection.
The iPad is about to undergo significant changes. The iPad Pro will undergo a brand new facelift, while the iPad Air will launch a larger screen model. Meanwhile, the iPad mini and entry-level iPad will be equipped with faster chips. In addition, the Mac series will also undergo a major upgrade, and soon the MacBook Air will adopt the M3 chip.
