Apple's mixed reality glasses, known as Vision Pro, have generated significant global attention since their unveiling at the Apple Developer Conference. These highly anticipated glasses have been in development for several years and boast unprecedented specifications, backed by over 5,000 patents. Despite being revealed in 2023, the official market launch date for Vision Pro remains undetermined. Apple has indicated that it will occur around 2024, which has led to questions about the reasons behind the uncertainty and Apple's inability to set a clear launch date.
According to digital transformation expert Rabih Saadeh, the lack of a clear launch date for innovative products like Vision Pro is not uncommon. When Apple introduced the first iPhone in 2007 and the initial Apple Watch in 2014, there were waiting periods of several months before the products were available for purchase. Saadeh explains that companies often announce products early to mitigate the challenges of maintaining product confidentiality during large-scale manufacturing.
Another factor preventing Apple from setting a firm launch date for Vision Pro is the readiness of the digital infrastructure supporting the glasses. Apple needs third-party applications that are compatible with the Vision Pro operating system, beyond its own applications like FaceTime and Safari. This requires time for developers to create and optimize 3D applications, likely taking a minimum of six months or longer.
Additionally, potential complications during the manufacturing process pose a challenge. Any unforeseen defects or issues that arise during large-scale production could necessitate delays in the planned launch date. Therefore, Apple has chosen to keep the launch date open-ended until production progresses smoothly.
Saadeh emphasizes that there are no guarantees that Vision Pro will be ready by early 2024. It is estimated that the glasses may require a period of nine to ten months to meet Apple's manufacturing standards. The likelihood is that Vision Pro will first reach the US market in spring 2024, during which time developers will intensify their efforts to create applications for a seamless transition into the 3D application industry for mixed reality glasses.