Newly discovered code by MacRumors suggests that Apple is working on launching Vision Pro in international markets soon. The headset’s virtual keyboard is reportedly being readied to support a dozen new languages, a strong hint that the headset’s availability beyond the United States is imminent.
According to the publication, Apple is working to add support of up to 12 additional languages to Vision Pro’s often-criticized virtual keyboard. The headset currently only supports English (US) and Emojis as the keyboard language options. The fact that Apple is ramping up testing of additional languages strongly suggests that Vision Pro could soon be available in more countries worldwide.
The purported languages being tested for the virtual keyboard of visionOS and Vision Pro are:
- English (Australia)
- English (Canada)
- English (Japan)
- English (Singapore)
- English (UK)
- French (Canada)
- French (France)
- Japanese
- Korean
- Cantonese, Traditional
- Chinese, Simplified
- German (Germany)
Despite the reported addition of 12 languages, this should translate to just nine countries. Judging by the rumored keyboard language options, Vision Pro is likely to launch soon in:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
- France
- South Korea
- China
- Germany
At this point, the exact launch date of Vision Pro in these countries remains unclear. However, recent reports from reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that Vision Pro could launch internationally in the coming months and before WWDC 2024 in June. Apple could also soon begin the beta testing cycle of the visionOS 1.2 update, which might include additional clues as to when Apple plans to launch its headset next.
International customers can purchase Vision Pro in the United States before exporting the headset to use it abroad. However, Apple has implemented significant hurdles in place to limit this practice. Beyond the current language limitations of visionOS and its virtual keyboard, Apple says that customers must use a US Apple ID to access the App Store, Apple Music, and the Apple TV app on Vision Pro. Apple only accepts eyewear prescriptions issued by certified US eyecare professionals for those looking to purchase ZEISS Optical Inserts.
