You can expect Vision Pro to be available outside the US next month. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that Apple is training hundreds of employees from international stores on how to demonstrate and sell the Vision Pro to customers. These training sessions, which last up to four days, are part of Apple's preparation for the global rollout.
Training for the global launch
Apple's training sessions are crucial for ensuring that employees are well-prepared to introduce the Vision Pro to a broader market. The first wave of countries expected to receive the Vision Pro includes China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This list matches what MacRumors found in the code two months ago.
Although Apple has not officially announced the global availability of the Vision Pro, it is widely believed that the rollout will begin after WWDC 2024 in June. This aligns with earlier claims by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who predicted that Apple would launch the Vision Pro in major markets outside the US before the event.
Declining demand in the US
The decision to expand the Vision Pro's availability comes as Apple faces declining sales and interest in the US. Analyst Kuo has noted that Apple is scaling back orders due to lower-than-expected demand. Despite the initial excitement, US consumers seem to have lost interest in the Vision Pro more quickly than anticipated.
Recent feedback from Vision Pro users has highlighted some significant issues with the device. According to Marketwatch, some users reported uncomfortable experiences, including “two black eyes” from wearing the device. Others found the Vision Pro too heavy for prolonged use, raising concerns about its design and comfort.
The upcoming global launch is a critical move for Apple, aiming to reignite interest and boost sales in new markets. By ensuring that international store employees are well-trained, Apple hopes to address any potential issues and provide a better customer experience.
As you look forward to the Vision Pro's global availability, it will be interesting to see how it performs in these new markets and whether Apple can overcome the challenges it has faced in the US.