Apple Delays Vision Pro Launch to March 2024: Mark Gurman

In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple is now targeting a March 2024 launch window for the highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset. Previously, Apple had aimed to release the $3,499 headset in January 2024.

According to Gurman's sources, Apple is still finalizing distribution plans and conducting further testing on the Vision Pro. The company wants to ensure the headset and its software are ready for consumers before launch.

If the March time frame holds, Apple will likely unveil the Vision Pro at a media event in early spring. It would allow the company to showcase the headset's unique spatial computing capabilities and apps ahead of retail availability.

It is expected that Apple will only sell the Vision Pro through appointments at its retail stores and website. Third-party retailers will not carry the flagship headset as Apple wants tight control over the first-generation rollout.

Due to the many SKU options like prescription lenses and different-sized headbands, Apple retail locations will need to manage the inventory of hundreds of Vision Pro configurations carefully. Customers will schedule Try On appointments to test fit and placement.

The latest beta versions of visionOS and iOS 17.2 both include features that lay the groundwork for Vision Pro support. It indicates Apple's software teams remain hard at work to optimize the experience before the device ships to customers fully.