Apple Vision Pro price and release date: here’s how much Apple's mixed reality headset costs
The Apple Vision Pro uses VR and AR to transform your productivity and entertainment – but how much does it cost?
The Apple Vision Pro was finally unveiled at WWDC 2023 after months of rumors and speculation. And judging from what we’ve seen of the device thus far, it’s set to shake up the mixed reality space in a big way.
But how much does the Apple Vision Pro cost? That’s probably the first question that pops into everyone’s mind. Well, as many predicted, it’s not cheap. The Apple Vision Pro price is $3,499, making it more expensive than the $999 Meta Quest Pro and the $1,099 HTC Vive XR Elite. However, it’s fair to say Apple’s headset isn’t quite like its competitors.
Apple’s headset uses a combination of virtual reality and augmented reality to create new possibilities in entertainment and productivity like we’ve never seen before. Apple calls it “spatial computing”, and everything is controlled by your eyes, hands and voice.
When wearing your Apple Vision Pro, you can see all of your apps within your personal space and the headset transforms your surroundings using virtual environments and floating, resizable screens.
Interestingly, your eyes can also be shown as well, using a clever reprojection technique (the glass isn’t actually transparent). The array of cameras means you’re technically never cut off from your surroundings as it supports excellent full-color passthrough, which addresses one of the biggest criticisms of VR in general.
The Apple Vision Pro is one of the company’s first major new product announcements in nearly a decade, but it’s also a field that is completely new to the Cupertino-based company. It will likely be the first time many iPhone and iPad users have encountered virtual and augmented reality, too, which means Apple has the opportunity to capture an audience that doesn’t really know what to expect.
Clearly, Apple believes the time is right to enter a market that has seen many competitors but few outright winners. The biggest rival to the Apple Vision Pro, particularly when it comes to undercutting its expensive price tag, is the Meta Quest 3. Meta strategically announced its VR/AR headset a few days before Apple and will be hoping its $499 price point will be enough to make consumers choose the Quest 3 over the Vision Pro.
However, the power of Apple’s connected ecosystems will help elevate the Vision Pro’s appeal, and some of the features it announced can only be described as jaw-dropping. It remains to see how well these features will work in person, but there’s no doubt Apple’s pitch for its headset is an impressive one.
Apple Vision Pro price
Ahead of the Apple Vision Pro’s reveal, several reports indicated the AR headset would cost around $2,000 to $3,000. From the spectacular demos we’ve seen so far, including turning your room into your own personal cinema, Apple’s headset was always going to be an expensive device, and those predictions were spot on: the Apple Vision Pro price is $3,499 for the 256GB model. You’ll have to fork out $3,699 for 512GB and $3,899 for 1TB of storage.
It’s clear Apple wanted to create a compelling device that sells its vision for what a virtual and augmented reality headset can offer, and it appears no corners have been cut. That means consumers can expect to pay a premium – like with most first-gen Apple devices.
The price suggests this is very much a product aimed at developers first, which may seem counterintuitive for a company like Apple. However, if enough developers get their hands on the device and create stunning new experiences, it’ll help sell the headset in the long run. Apple has set some crazy rules for those with developer kits, though.
In the future, we’ll likely see more budget-friendly versions of the Apple Vision Pro, if it’s successful. But for now, expect to pay a high price if you want to experience Apple’s latest marquee product right away.
Apple Vision Pro release date
Can’t wait to get your hands on the Apple Vision Pro? You won’t have to wait long. The Apple Vision Pro will be released on Friday, February 2.
It’ll be available to buy exclusively from Apple online and at Apple Stores across the country. The release date gives developers plenty of time to create and optimize their apps for the device and also allows Apple to fine-tune the product in the run-up to launch.
Apple has reportedly lowered its production targets from one million to around 400,000 units instead, but that should be more than enough to meet demand due to the high Apple Vision Pro price tag.
However, speaking at the iPhone 15 launch event, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently said that Apple Vision Pro is “on track” to release early next year and that developers are making great strides in developing apps and experiences for consumers to enjoy.
Apple Vision Pro pre-order date
The Apple Vision Pro pre-order date was Friday, January 19 at 8am EST / 5am PST. Apple made the announcement the week of CES 2024 on January 8, giving those who are interested in the Apple Vision Pro plenty of time to prepare.
Apple Vision Pro specs
The Apple Vision Pro is packed with cutting-edge technology and technological breakthroughs. The display uses a micro OLED panel designed by Apple and includes 23 million pixels – more pixels than a 4K TV for each eye. Apple also created custom lenses, which allow fine text and entertainment to look great at any angle or size.
Despite being packed with tech, the headset is compact and uses a single piece of three-dimensional formed, laminated glass that acts as a lens through which the cameras and sensors view the world. It also has a lightweight aluminum frame, a light shield that conforms to your face, and a modular design so you can lock in the perfect fit.
The headset also uses eye-tracking via IR sensors and is powered by Apple’s M2 silicon, in a unique dual-chip design. What’s more, Apple has included a new R1 chip, which eliminates lag to deliver experiences in the blink of an eye. All in all, there are 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones in the Apple Vision Pro.
Audio is also a big part of Apple Vision Pro. Apple wanted the sound to feel like it was coming all around you, and the dual driver audio pods deliver convincing ambient spatial audio.
The headset features flexible straps and a ribbed band for breathability so it can be stretched to fit the shape of your head while allowing for micro-adjustments. We’ll have to see how comfortable it is in use, but glasses wearers will be pleased to hear Apple has partnered with Zeiss to create magnetically connected lenses. An optional head strap will be offered, too, and it comes with 256GB of storage. You can also pay extra for 512GB and 1TB of storage.
As has become a staple on recent Apple products, the Vision Pro has a Digital Crown that adds further functionality, and you can expect Siri integration as well.
Apple Vision Pro features
There are an incredible amount of things you can do with the Apple Vision Pro. From working with your favorite apps, connecting with people as if they’re in the same space, and watching content from your favorite services in all new ways, the possibilities seem almost endless. It uses a mix of VR and AR and includes a full-color passthrough so you can always see the world around you.
Apple is calling it the most advanced personal electronics device ever and has filed over 5,000 patents alone during its development. You can remove the need for a desktop monitor, create your own personal home cinema, maximize your productivity, and collaborate like never before. It could also be the most enjoyable way to experience the best Apple Arcade games.
You can also capture photos and videos with 3D depth, letting you revisit timeless memories as though you’re right there when they actually happened. Apps also come to life in new ways, surrounding your field of vision with animations and immersive details.
Apple Vision Pro battery life
Apple’s headset works all day when plugged in – as you might expect – but only lasts two hours with a battery. That’s similar to the battery life of the Meta Quest Pro and should be enough for when you want to go wireless or need to do something productive in a pinch.
The battery is small enough that it fits neatly in your pocket, and helps reduce the overall weight of the headset. It looks like the battery is about the size of an iPhone Pro Max or power bank, though we expect it’ll be a little heavier. Still, it’s a clever solution to the bulky headsets we’ve seen in the past and means you don’t always have to be tethered to a wall charger or PC.
Apple is calling its external battery pack the “Magic Battery”, which aligns with its previous branding of products like the Magic Mouse. Calling something magic that only provides two hours of battery life does seem a little tongue in cheek, but it fits Apple’s messaging that – like all its products – this isn’t just a typical external battery.
Last updated: January 26, 2024