Tim Cook confirms Vision Pro’s China launch later this year

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook confirmed during his visit to China that Vision Pro will launch later this year in the country. Currently, the company’s $3500 mixed reality headset is only available in the US.

Apple opened preorders for the Vision Pro in mid-January 2024, following its announcement at WWDC 2023. The headset went on sale in the US in the first week of February.

Vision Pro debuting in China in 2024

Responding to a media question after the China Development Forum in Beijing, Cook confirmed the Vision Pro’s Chinese debut in 2024. He also reaffirmed Apple’s continuous investment in China in its supply chain, R&D, and stores.

Reports suggest Apple could launch the Vision Pro in nine countries outside the US this year. This includes China, Australia, Germany, France, UK and South Korea.

Given the complex retail launch and supply chain issues, the Vision Pro was rumored to remain US exclusive for a few months after its launch.

The headset’s international launch should boost its sales and allow more developers to get their hands on it. This should open up new use cases for the $3,499 mixed reality headset.

Tim Cook visits China as iPhone sales slowdown

Cook is on a visit to China amid a slowdown in iPhone sales. He also visited the opening of the “one-of-a-kind” Apple Jing’An store in Shanghai last week. The store in Shanghai is Apple’s second-largest in the world and 57th in the country.

Its opening and Cook’s visit to the country come at a time when iPhone sales have lagged behind other Chinese  companies. This is the executive’s third visit to the country in less than a year.

Apple has diversified its supply-chain away from China in recent years, but the country remains an important market for the Cupertino giant. And so, the company cannot afford a dramatic drop in iPhone sales in one of its largest markets.

Source: Reuters