Apple's Vision Pro mixed-reality headset pre-orders exceed expectations, with high demand and availability noted. Potential sales figures and affordability challenges discussed.
Apple enthusiasts around the world eagerly marked their calendars for the highly anticipated pre-order of Apple's latest innovation, the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset. With shipping set to begin on February 2, some devoted fans even went as far as setting alarms to wake up at 5 a.m. Pacific time. The excitement was palpable, and it seemed like demand for the product was going to surpass expectations.
Analyst Amit Daryanani from Evercore ISI confirmed this sentiment, stating that early signs indicated strong demand for the device. In fact, their own experience attempting to purchase a Vision Pro supported this claim. Upon logging into the Apple Store right at 5 a.m. PT, they initially saw an option for in-store pickup on February 4. However, by the time they completed the necessary steps, the in-store pickup option had disappeared and the earliest delivery date for the 256GB option was pushed to February 14. In order to secure their device sooner, they opted for the $400 more expensive 1TB option and were able to secure a pick-up date on February 5. Just an hour later, delivery times had already been pushed back to a range of March 1-8. This starkly indicates strong initial demand, although it is worth noting that Apple likely anticipated limited volumes in the first year.
As Apple prepares to report their December quarter financial results after the stock market closes on February 1, many are eager to see how this frenzy translates into actual sales figures. It seems that even before the shipments begin, Apple fanatics could have afforded themselves a few extra hours of sleep.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Apple.com and explore the offerings of their latest masterpiece, the Vision Pro. Despite my late morning visit, approximately six hours after pre-orders opened, I was pleasantly surprised to find that delivery expectations for the 256 GB version fell within the Feb. 13 to Feb. 16 range, with no available options for local store pick-up. This aligned perfectly with the experiences shared by Daryanani.
However, it was the availability of delivery for the 512 GB edition (priced at $3,699) and the 1 TB version (priced at $3,899) that truly caught my attention. These models were not only available for delivery on the very first day of sale, Feb. 2, but in-store pick-up was also an enticing option on Feb. 3 at Apple's Palo Alto store. With such availability and convenience, it becomes evident that Apple has ensured ample supply for their avid customers, even after the early risers successfully placed their orders.
Daryanani has made mention of media reports suggesting that Apple has plans to produce anywhere between 400,000 to 1 million units of the Vision Pro by 2024. Although this range exceeds the estimates provided by most experts, if Apple manages to approach the higher end of this scale, it could potentially generate an impressive $3.5 billion in sales and contribute a nickel per share to their profits. Furthermore, Daryanani believes that over the course of five years, the Vision Pro could amass a revenue of $19 billion and yield an additional 20 cents per share in profits. However, he notes that Apple will face the challenge of making the Vision Pro more affordable to appeal to a wider audience.
It's important to highlight that opting for the highest end Vision Pro model would result in a substantial price tag. When factoring in the $99 optical inserts for those who wear glasses, the total cost including state and local sales tax would reach an astounding $4,363. To put this into perspective, that's equivalent to the price of four Macbook Airs, 25 sets of AirPods, over 160 Apple AirTags, or a 44-year subscription to Apple TV+. The choice is yours.
In conclusion, the Vision Pro from Apple represents a groundbreaking device that pushes the boundaries of technology. With its impressive features and availability, it is poised to captivate a wide audience. Apple's challenge now lies in making this visionary product more accessible to fulfill its true potential.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
Leave Comment