Apple Ramps Up Production of Vision Pro Headset Eyeing February Launch

Apple is ramping up production of its highly anticipated mixed-reality headset, known as the Vision Pro, and aims to launch the device as early as next February, according to a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman that cites people in the know.

Production of the Vision Pro is reportedly running at full speed in Apple's facilities in China and has been for several weeks. The goal is to have customer units ready by the end of January, with a retail launch the following month.

To prepare for the rollout, Apple is taking several steps and has emailed developers this week, encouraging them to test their apps on the latest Vision Pro tools. Apple is also training its retail employees to handle sales and demonstrations of the complex headset.

Multiple sessions will be held at Apple's headquarters next month to instruct at least two employees from each store. They will learn about the Vision Pro's features and functionality. Significant emphasis is being placed on properly fitting the headset's various components like headbands, lenses and light seals.

Apple is also sprucing up its retail locations to accommodate headset inventory, fittings areas and packaging stations where Vision Pro units can be correctly assembled for customers. Multiple sizes and configurations mean more storage space is needed.

If all goes smoothly, Apple aims to introduce its first new product category since the Apple Watch in 2015. Strong sales of the $3,500 device will be essential for the mixed reality sector and Apple's long-term vision.