Apple is launching what it hopes is its next big product on February 2
- Apple has officially set a launch date for its "mixed reality" Vision Pro headset.
- It'll be available for pre-orders starting January 19 before launching in the US on February 2.
Apple is less than a month away from launching what it hopes will eventually be its biggest hit since the iPhone.
The company announced aMonday that its "mixed reality" Vision Pro headset will be available online and at US Apple Store retail locations starting February 2. Pre-orders for the device, which starts at $3,499 with 256 GB of storage, will begin Friday, January 19 at 8 a.m. ET.
The product uses virtual and augmented reality, running on what Apple calls "the world's first spatial operating system," with a 3D interface that is controlled by the user's voice and eye and hand movements. No controller comes with it.
By blending the wearer's physical surroundings with their digital experience, Apple says the Vision Pro can open the doors to more immersive gaming and entertainment, or even foster a more collaborative workspace.
Apple unveiled the Vision Pro at its annual WWDC conference in 2023, where its steep price drew audible groans from the audience.
The Vision Pro also has two high-end displays that each offer a resolution that's denser than a 4K display, which contributes to both the positive early impressions — and the steep price tag.
Apple has already started shipping units to US warehouses ahead of their arrival at Apple retail locations, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports.