Apple Vision Pro prepares for takeoff with US stores deliveries

Apple’s highly anticipated Vision Pro is no longer a mirage shimmering on the horizon; it’s fast approaching, with retail stores bustling into preparation mode. While speculation earlier in 2024 pegged a release several months out, whispers hinting at a sooner arrival began swirling, culminating in last month’s report indicating its imminent debut.

Now, the evidence is piling up, painting a picture of a launch within weeks, not months. According to a new report by Bloomberg, the Vision Pro is already trickling into US warehouses, paving the way for distribution to Apple Store locations nationwide. The company anticipates sufficient stock by the end of January, setting the stage for a February launch. This strategic pre-positioning suggests Apple intends to steal the spotlight away from CES, the prominent tech convention starting tomorrow in Las Vegas.

Further solidifying the imminent arrival are internal stirrings within Apple’s retail network. Select employees from stores across the US are being whisked away to Cupertino for training sessions.

On January 21st, a three-hour all-hands-on-deck meeting awaits every US Apple Store employee. This suggests that it could be the arena where Vision Pro training unfolds, with sales procedures meticulously dissected and strategies devised. Additional training sessions are scheduled in the following days, further amplifying the pre-launch buzz.

To accommodate the arrival, retail stores are undergoing transformations. New inventory racks are being delivered, and backroom equipment is getting overhauled. This internal makeover isn’t simply aesthetic; it’s a logistical reshuffle to seamlessly integrate the Vision Pro into the sales ecosystem.

Last month, Apple’s manufacturing partner in China, Luxshare, celebrated a momentous occasion, shipping the first batch of Vision Pro units. This milestone, coupled with Apple’s recent flurry of design patent filings for every element of the device, both hardware and software, paints a clear picture of launch preparations in overdrive.

The question of online pre-orders for the Vision Pro remains shrouded in mystery. Apple has yet to officially announce its strategy, but industry insiders speculate it might not follow the conventional route. One potential scenario suggests a hybrid approach, where customers could reserve their headset online, securing a place in line for a personalized fitting session at their local Apple store.

This personalized approach would prioritize user comfort and experience. Trained Apple employees would guide customers through choosing the perfect light seal, band, and cushioning for optimal fit and wearability. This face-to-face interaction could be crucial for a device like the Vision Pro, where ensuring individual comfort is paramount for long-term enjoyment.

While online pre-orders for immediate home delivery might not be available at launch, Apple could introduce a dedicated facial scanning app in the future. This app would allow remote shoppers to scan their faces, ensuring compatibility and potentially paving the way for online purchases down the line.

Apple’s playbook for the Vision Pro launch remains unconfirmed, but this unique hybrid approach, prioritizing personalized fitting and a potential future for remote scanning, could mark a departure from traditional pre-order practices. It seems Apple is betting on human interaction and personalized customization to ensure a smooth entry into the burgeoning world of mixed reality.

Finally, while Apple vaguely described a “later” 2024 launch for other countries, whispers suggest the wait might not be as long as initially feared. China, Canada, and the UK are reportedly high on the priority list.

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