A previous visionOS leak revealed that the Apple Vision Pro will eventually gain support for 12 different languages, hinting that the mixed-reality headset would be prepared for markets outside of the U.S. Now, state media claims that Apple CEO Tim Cook has stated that the device will launch in China later this year, though an exact timeframe was not given.
Apple Vision Pro could launch as a secondary device to help iPhone sales recover from a deficit in China
Cook responded to a media question during the China Development Forum in Beijing, with Reuters reporting that CCTV finance mentioned the news on its Weibo social account, stating that the Apple Vision Pro would launch in the region. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted that the headset would launch overseas too. Given the trouble that Apple is facing in China thanks to Huawei’s resurgence and demand reduction, launching a premium headset might propel those sales. In a rare move, Apple introduced discounts on the latest iPhone 15 models and other products ahead of the Lunar New Year to combat those dwindling sales figures.
The Apple Vision Pro launch might deliver some added cushion and help to keep the sales momentum running. For instance, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max can capture spatial video for the head-mounted wearable, creating a slew of visual stereo effects. Even though Apple is reportedly planning a bevy of AI features for the forthcoming iPhone 16 launch, we will not be surprised to learn that all four models could creatively interact with the Apple Vision Pro, creating another selling point for consumers. Unfortunately, one of the biggest barriers that will continue to exist for quite some time for this product is its ludicrous pricing.
Then again, it is not the company’s fault, as an earlier estimate stated that the Apple Vision Pro costs $1,542 to make, and that excludes research and development, packaging, marketing, logistics, or Apple’s profit margin. The most expensive component of the headset is the 4K micro-OLED panel duo, which is sourced from Sony and costs Apple approximately $456. The company is rumored to have accelerated development of the next version and is in talks with Chinese display makers SeeYa and BOE about entering the supply chain. With this partnership, future Apple Vision Pro panel costs could be reduced by 50 percent, allowing these devices to gain more traction in multiple markets, including China.
