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Apple‘s recent foray into the world of mixed reality with the Apple Vision Pro has generated significant buzz, but initial sales estimates by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicate a mixed start for the high-end MR headset. Priced at $3,499, the device sold between 160,000 to 180,000 units during its first pre-order, surpassing earlier production figures of only 60,000 to 80,000 units by the analyst.
However, concerns arose as shipping times became stagnant within a couple of hours after the pre-order opened. It goes to suggest a potential drop in demand after the core fan base completed their pre-orders.
Additionally, Kuo notes a departure in the pre-order pattern from that of the typical iPhone sales. According to him, iPhones usually experience a steady increase in shipping times 24 to 48 hours after pre-orders open, indicating sustained demand. The Vision Pro, targeted at a niche market due to its high price and the absence of mainstream apps like YouTube and Netflix, may struggle to maintain momentum beyond the initial surge in demand from its core users, notes Engadget.
The Apple Vision Pro sales in pre-order represent a mere 0.007 percent of Apple’s massive 1.2 billion active user base
Kuo highlights that even with the upper production figure of 80,000 units, the Apple Vision Pro sales represent a mere 0.007% of Apple’s massive 1.2 billion active user base, emphasizing its niche status. Apple is rumored to launch a more affordable model in the $1,500 to $2,500 range, potentially widening its appeal.
However, for now, the tech giant needs to stimulate and sustain demand for the headset before its global launch, speculated to be around June.
Kuo’s analysis of the Apple Vision Pro further emphasizes that despite supply chain efforts to meet demand, production efficiency improvements are still necessary. Additionally, the goal of shipping 500,000 units this year may face challenges due to the rapid tapering of demand post-initial sell-out.
In conclusion, Apple’s Vision Pro remains a niche product, and Apple’s strategy appears to be closely monitoring demand shifts in various markets and updating applications to adapt to evolving user needs.