Ming-Chi Kuo, a prominent analyst, has disclosed that the Apple Vision Pro’s introductory pre-sale weekend saw sales figures of approximately 160,000 to 180,000 units. This performance aligns with market expectations. Despite a rapid sell-out and extended delivery times of 5-7 weeks for the new spatial computer, Kuo underscores that the subsequent phase will determine the product’s sustained demand and success.
Initial Demand Versus Long-Term Success
Kuo raises concerns about the product’s future demand, noting that shipping times did not increase after the initial 48 hours, suggesting that interest could wane following the rush by enthusiasts and dedicated users. This contrasts with popular iPhone models, where shipping times usually expand further post-launch, indicating continuous demand, unlike the Apple Vision Pro.
Production and Shipment Challenges
Luxshare, the manufacturer, is working tirelessly to fulfill demand, aiming to enhance production efficiency. Kuo predicts that despite current challenges, Apple is capable of reaching a shipment target of half a million Vision Pro units by 2024.
Obstacles to Widespread Adoption
The Apple Vision Pro’s expansion is hindered by limited supply chain capacity, with Sony being able to produce only a limited number of displays annually. This constraint could slow global availability and struggle to meet local demands. Moreover, the reluctance of prominent content providers like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube to develop apps for the platform further complicates its potential for success.
The sparse user base and the difficulty for developers to create apps without widespread access to the device present additional hurdles. The lack of comprehensive API support also restricts third-party app capabilities. The high cost of the device, coupled with the absence of a “killer app,” poses a significant barrier to adoption. Upcoming reviews may significantly influence the product’s market reception.
Anticipation for visionOS 2, set to be previewed at WWDC 2024, offers hope for improvements and new features. However, a stable release is not expected until September, requiring fans to be patient. The Apple Vision Pro represents a significant challenge for Apple as it ventures into a new product category.
