Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headset launches in the US in February

The mixed reality headset is expected to arrive in more countries later this year

Apple has announced a US launch date for its mixed reality headset, Vision Pro.

Pre-orders will begin on January 19, ahead of its launch on February 2.

Apple Vision Pro will be available online and at all US Apple Store locations, starting at $3,499 with 256GB of storage.

Billed as Apple’s “first spatial computer”, Vision Pro was announced during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference last summer, when it said the headset would debut in the US before launching in more countries later in 2024.

“Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created,” Apple boss Tim Cook claimed in a press release on Monday. “Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore.”

The headset features a new 3D user interface and input system “controlled entirely by a user’s eyes, hands, and voice”, according to Apple.

“Intuitive gestures allow users to interact with apps by simply looking at them, tapping their fingers to select, flicking their wrist to scroll, or using a virtual keyboard or dictation to type. With Siri, users can quickly open or close apps, play media, and more.”

Over one million apps across iOS and iPadOS are available on Apple Vision Pro.

On the gaming front, Apple said: “Hit games like NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition and Sonic Dream Team can be played on a screen as large as they want with incredible audio and support for popular game controllers.

“New spatial games, including Game Room, What the Golf?, and Super Fruit Ninja, take advantage of the powerful capabilities of Apple Vision Pro to transform the space around players, offering unique and engaging gameplay experiences.”

According to a Financial Times report published last summer, Apple once had an internal sales target of one million units during Vision Pro’s first year on the market.

However, it was claimed this figure had been more than halved along with Apple’s production target for the headset, due to the complexity of its design and manufacturing difficulties.

Apple was also said to be working on future generations of the headset, including a cheaper version with Korean display makers Samsung and LG.