Friday was the first day that the Apple Vision Pro was available for sale, and according to The Information, some Apple Vision Pro orders may be delayed until April, but it is unclear if this is due to high demand or limited supply. Certain headset models are still available for pickup on the launch day at select Apple retail stores in the U.S.
There’s also reporting on the cost of the device for repairs. The cost to repair the Apple Vision Pro without AppleCare coverage can be up to $2,399. With AppleCare, users can have multiple repair incidents for a fee of $299 each. Repair costs for a cracked cover glass are estimated at $799, while “Other damage” repairs are estimated at $2,399. Battery replacement fees are not specified, but AppleCare+ covers battery replacements if the battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.
Interest in the business world for this technology is there — The U.S. Space Force has signed a $19.8 million contract with Microsoft to develop a virtual and mixed-reality training environment for Space Force personnel. The contract involves the development of an augmented-reality space simulation tool called the Integrated, Immersive, Intelligent Environment (I3E), which will provide access to physics-based satellite behavior modeling, intelligence analysis tools, and wargaming in a space environment. The system will utilize Microsoft’s HoloLens headsets, Azure cloud platform, and a mesh framework for sharing AR experiences.
And in news that should not surprise long-time listeners, the European Parliament has commissioned a strategy urging the EU to take a leading role in shaping virtual worlds that respect EU values and apply existing rules. They emphasize the need for a level playing field, responsible use of technology, and enforcement of existing rules. The document also highlights the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and protection of intellectual property rights in virtual worlds.
Why do we care?
I’m watching for adoption numbers, and in typical Apple fashion, they will be harder to get. Is it demand or supply chain? Let’s watch. Those repair costs are no joke – remember to factor in after-sale services as part of a product offering.
The Space Force deal highlights the kind of business applications to watch for related to spatial computing.