Apple made a significant announcement on Tuesday regarding the launch of its flagship virtual reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, in China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore on June 28. This move marks the expansion of the gadget beyond the borders of the United States for the first time. Pre-orders for the Vision Pro will commence on Friday, generating anticipation among tech enthusiasts in these Asian markets.
In China, a key market for Apple, the Vision Pro will face challenges due to the government’s stringent regulations on content. Popular apps in the U.S. such as Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video are not available in China, creating a need for local developers to create new apps and games tailored for the Apple Vision Pro. Companies like Tencent and ByteDance are stepping up to provide content for Chinese consumers. Additionally, Apple will need to compete with local rivals like Oppo, who are also developing VR technologies.
Despite the high price point of the Vision Pro, there has been a surge in demand in China, as evidenced by a growing gray market for the headset. However, reports from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that demand in the U.S. has been declining, leading to a reduction in production. The move to international markets is seen as an attempt to boost sales and reach a wider customer base.
Apart from the Asian markets, Apple also announced that pre-orders for Germany, France, Australia, the U.K., and Canada will open on June 28, with availability on July 12. The Vision Pro will come equipped with the latest operating system, VisionOS 2, boasting new features and AI integrations. With the compatibility of over 2,000 apps, users can expect a seamless and immersive experience with the Apple Vision Pro.
Overall, Apple’s decision to expand the availability of the Vision Pro to international markets signals a strategic move to tap into new consumer bases and drive sales. While challenges exist in navigating regulations and competition, the tech giant remains optimistic about the reception of its flagship VR headset worldwide. With the launch just around the corner, tech enthusiasts and consumers alike eagerly anticipate getting their hands on the Apple Vision Pro and experiencing the magic of spatial computing firsthand.
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