Apple Vision Pro Headsets Bought in the US Won’t Work in India

Pre-orders for the Apple Vision Pro have gone live on the company’s US website, and plenty of new details have emerged in the product listing fine print, along with details and prices of variants and accessories. While Apple had announced a starting price of $3,499 (approximately Rs. 2,90,595) at the time of the headset’s unveiling, we now know that there will be options with 512GB and 1TB of storage, priced at $3,699 (Rs. 3,07,205) and $3,899 (Rs. 3,23,815) respectively. Moreover, the AppleCare+ extended warranty and accidental damage insurance policy costs $499 (Rs. 41,442).

However, the biggest news is that it won’t be possible for anyone in India to buy an Apple Vision Pro ‘spatial computing’ headset in the US and bring it home, or have it shipped. Grey market imports will also not be possible. Apple’s website clearly notes that a US-based Apple ID is required to use the App Store on the Vision Pro, and also for purchases in the Apple Music and TV apps. US English is the only language currently supported on the device, and customer support will also only be available in the US. In addition to all that, buyers who need to buy prescription lenses will need a prescription from a US-based eyecare professional. 

Apple notes that US-based buyers who wish to use their Vision Pro headsets when traveling internationally will not face any problems with using apps and content when using their US-registered Apple accounts. The company also says it “looks forward to bringing Apple Vision Pro to more countries later this year”. 

The store listing page also reveals what you’ll get in the box if you purchase a Vision Pro. The unit will come with a light seal, light seal cushion and solo knit band already fitted, based on a 3D face scan that will be taken as part of the customer orientation process. Also in the box will be a Dual Loop Band, a cover that slips over the front of the headset to protect its outward-facing display, a detachable battery pack, another light seal cusion, a cleaning cloth, a 30W USB Type-C charger, and a Type-C cable.

Apple has also listed accessories that you can buy for the Vision Pro, including a travel case priced at $199 (Rs. 16,527) and additional battery packs, also priced at $199 each. Zeiss optical inserts for reading start at $99, while prescription lenses start at $149 per pair. As previously noted, prescriptions with a prism value are not supported, and Apple has also stated that wearing hard contact lenses might interfere with eye tracking.

When pre-ordering through Apple’s website, an iPhone or iPad with Face ID is needed to create a 3D face profile to determine the optimal light seal and headband size. Owners will be able to share a Vision Pro headset with other users, but different sizes (and prescription inserts) might be needed.