We also have numbers on Apple’s Vision Pro launch now. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the immediate sold-out of the Vision Pro during pre-orders confirms earlier predictions. However, the inability to sustain a steady increase in pre-order demand raises concerns about the intensity of demand. It is estimated that Apple sold 160,000 to 180,000 units during the first pre-order weekend. While the initial sold-out and extended shipping times seem positive, the concern is that demand may quickly taper off after the core fans and heavy users place their orders. Apple’s supply chain partners are working overtime to meet demand, but production efficiency still needs improvement. Achieving a shipment volume of 500,000 units this year should not be challenging, but monitoring demand in other markets and assessing changes in demand is critical. Vision Pro is still considered a niche product.
According to Appfigures, Apple’s Vision Pro headset has only seen a tepid response from app developers, with just over 150 apps updated specifically for the device. This could be due to factors such as limited headset availability for testing, the high price point of the device, and challenges in adapting apps to a different computing environment. Additionally, Apple’s recent disputes with developers, including the fallout from the Epic Games antitrust lawsuit, may have contributed to a negative sentiment among the developer community. Despite this, some notable apps are still available for the Vision Pro, including those from Disney+, ESPN, MLB, and others.
While Apple’s sales of the Vision Pro spatial computing headset may be insignificant compared to their overall revenue, it poses a threat to Meta, whose Reality Labs division generated less revenue from their Quest headsets. Despite Meta’s cheaper headsets, Apple is expected to sell that estimated 500,000 units, adding $1.75 billion in revenue.
Why do we care?
Apple should hit its numbers. They’ve created what looks to be a nearly two-billion-dollar business. This will be a year of observation, where we watch the space to determine what impact this will have in the business world. I’m confident there will be some first movers here, and I look forward to hearing from them. You’ll decide if that’s you. That said, we care because we can see the future here. Assume two hard trends we can be sure of. Batteries will get better, and displays will get smaller. Now, apply that to the Vision Pro. Imagine a pair of glasses that do these tasks.
I’d buy that. I suspect you would, too. The key is considering what that device means for business. And remember, the iPhone faced similar developer challenges at launch.