Apple Vision Pro pre-orders are live. Here’s what you need to know

2comments
Apple Vision Pro pre-orders are live. Here’s what you need to know
Update:

Online pre-orders for the Vision Pro are live on Apple's online store. The process confirms that Apple's first headset is available only to residents of the US as of now. The price of the headset remains as $3,499 for the 256GB version, accessories included, but excluding any sort of prescription lenses. As suspected, the workflow requires you to have access to an iPhone or iPad that supports Face ID. 
The original article follows below:

It truly felt like yesterday when Apple announced the Vision Pro at WWDC 2023 and we all went “woah”. Most of you don’t have a solid enough reason to follow the XR industry closely yet, but let me tell you: that announcement sent ripples across it.

And that only makes sense, right? Apple doesn’t just go and announce entirely new product categories every other day and at the same time: the Vision Pro doesn’t feel like any of the best VR headsets around. It feels more high-end, less about entertainment and more about empowering you to get stuff done through mixed-reality.

Now, months have passed, it’s 2024 and today, on January 19 at 08:00 ET, pre-orders for the Vision Pro will go live exclusively on the Apple Store. But this affair won’t be as easy as “add to cart and check out”. So let me help you prepare to get your Vision Pro order in as effortlessly as possible.

Video Thumbnail


What do I need to know about Vision Pro pre-orders?


Essentially, there are two things you must know and then two other things that you need to consider. Let’s start with the more important duo:

  • Make sure that you’ve got an iPad Pro or iPhone with face-scanning capabilities

Before you can submit your Vision Pro order to Apple, the company will need to take your measurements in order to pack in the right head straps and accessories with the headset. Luckily, you won’t have to worry about fetching a ruler, as the process is an automated face scan.

That does, however, mean that you will need a device that can enable you to participate in said process, as in: an iPad Pro or iPhone that can take face scans. If you need a refresher, that means any model from iPhone X going forward and either a Gen 3 or later 12.9" iPad Pro or any of the 11" iPad Pro models.

So in what app do you need to go to get things done? Well, that’s where we reach point two:

  • Make sure that your App Store is updated

Because that’s where you’ll need to go in order to take the face scan. Rather convenient, right? The last update to the App Store on your device should be from January 11, 2024 and as far as we are aware: Apple isn’t planning to release a new update just before Vision Pro pre-orders go live.

But how do you check if there are any updates, which you haven't installed yet? Well, simple: those typically go through your general software updates, so if you've got something pending under Settings → General → Software Updates, you should make sure to install it before the time comes to pre-order your Vision Pro unit.

Video Thumbnail


But what if I don’t have an iPhone or iPad Pro?



For the time being, it appears that those who don’t own an iPhone or any other device with face-scanning capabilities, won’t be able to pre-order the Vision Pro. Anyone that falls within this group, but still wants to get a Vision Pro, will have to wait until the headset is available in physical Apple Store locations. 

Ok then, let’s move on to the two other things that you need to be aware of regarding the Vision Pro pre-orders:

  • If you need prescription lenses, have a valid vision prescription on hand

Apple will need to validate your prescription —- probably through another scan or photo — so you’ll need to have yours around and for its date to still be valid at the time of pre-order. If you’re in need of lenses, you should keep in mind that they will cost you extra on top.

There will be two types of lenses available, created in collaboration with Zeiss:

  • Readers, priced at $90
  • Prescription, priced at $150

When you reach this part of the process, you'll be asked the following questions:

  • Do you wear glasses?
  • Do you wear contacts?
  • What kind are they?
  • And do they have any specifics beyond that, such as cosmetic features for contacts


  • There will be a limited quantity of Vision Pro headsets to go around

Now, this one is still a rumor. The exact number differs from source to source, but it’s always said to be less than 10,000 units available at launch. Newer report bump those numbers up to 70, 000. It doesn’t seem like too many people will be rushing in to buy Apple’s headset, but you never know.

Hence, if you’re certain that you want to invest in Apple’s spatial computer, make sure that you’re prepared properly and are ready to place your pre-order when the time comes on January 19 at 08:00 ET on Apple’s online store.

But don’t worry: even if something doesn’t work out or you want to see the device in-person before you commit to a $3,500 purchase, you can still look forward to the Vision Pro’s launch on February 2: less than two weeks from now.

Now that pre-orders for the Vision Pro have gone live, another thing has become clear: this is strictly a US-based launch. Apple is planning to bring an international version of the Vision Pro, later in 2024. For the time being, we don't know when that might happen, but we do know that anyone who purchases the headset and attempts to use it outside of the US may face limitations. 
Can’t get enough of mobile tech?
Subscribe to access new exclusive content and perks.
You can still enjoy the standard PhoneArena experience for free.
  • In-depth reviews, tests & analyses
  • Expert opinions on the latest trends
  • Live community events and games
  • Ad-free browsing, discounts and more
Start Free Trial See the latest subscriber-only articles
Loading Comments...
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless