Vision Pro VR headset by Apple debuts in the U.S

Apple’s Vision Pro virtual reality headset was officially launched in the U.S. on Friday, with customers who preordered the device beginning to receive it or picking it up at Apple Store locations.

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, made an appearance at the company’s flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York City on Friday morning to mark the release of the headset. Speaking with CNBC’s Jim Cramer at the event regarding the Vision Pro’s substantial price tag, Cook described it as “tomorrow’s technology today.” The Vision Pro starts at $3,500.

Cook mentioned, “People have the option to spread their payments out over time, which enhances affordability.” He highlighted the headset’s innovation, boasting about its 5,000 patents.

“We believe we’ve set the price at the appropriate level, considering its value,” Cook concluded.

During Apple’s earnings call on Thursday, Cook noted that the Vision Pro is gaining traction as an enterprise solution, with notable companies like Walmart, Nike, Vanguard, Stryker, Bloomberg, and SAP beginning to utilize and invest in the headset for both customers and employees.

Cook also expressed his belief that Apple can effectively cater to both consumer and enterprise markets moving forward, especially with the diverse range of applications offered by the Vision Pro. He highlighted that over 600 apps and games optimized for “spatial computing” are already available on the headset, showcasing its versatility and potential for various use cases.

On Thursday, Apple announced its fiscal first-quarter results, which surpassed revenue and earnings projections. While Apple’s wearables division, dubbed “Other Products,” exceeded expectations, it experienced an 11% decrease in sales compared to the previous year. The Vision Pro, a new addition to Apple’s wearables lineup alongside the Apple Watch and AirPods, is not anticipated by analysts to generate substantial revenue initially.