North American customers can now pay the $3,500 requested for the VR headset stamped with the bitten apple. They will be able to release it from February 2, the date of the first deliveries.

Apple presented its VR headset, the Vision Pro, last June, during WWDC 2023. What the Cupertino company calls its first space computer will be sold on the North American market from February 2; pre-orders are now open.

A helmet that will turn heads?

Purchasers will receive a box including the helmet and the various elements presented below.

Before placing an order, they must scan an image to take their measurements using the FaceID of an iPhone or iPad. The objective is to define the right size of the headbands and the cushion.

Those who need corrective lenses can purchase ZEISS references that sell for $99, or $149 for those who fill a prescription. Apple specifies, however, that its Vision Pro works well with most soft contact lenses, and that it is therefore not essential to pay this additional cost if necessary.

Regarding the headset, customers have the choice between three internal storage capacities. The basic version, the one sold for $3,499, offers 256 GB. To upgrade to 512 GB, you have to pay $3,699. Finally, the 1 TB capacity increases the bill to $3,899.

Like Microsoft with its Xbox Series, Apple allows payment to be spread over several months, twelve in this case, with monthly payments of respectively 291.58 dollars, 308.25 dollars and 324.91 dollars. The sum is $3,898.92 in the latter case, so there is no additional cost (for the other versions either).

Initial mixed feedback

It’s been a few days since the brand distributed copies to journalists and other influencers so that they could examine the helmet. Indeed, given the price, it is better to buy knowingly, with the qualities and defects of this Apple Vision Pro in mind.

On this subject, the first feedback suggests a defect in size, but especially in weight, in the first sense of this second term: the helmet would be too heavy to allow long sessions.

On the other hand, in terms of the software ecosystem, users will be entitled to the Disney+ or Prime Video applications, but will have to do without those of Netflix, YouTube and Spotify in particular (it will still be possible to benefit from the services of these platforms through the through the Vision Pro web browser).

The debut of the helmet in the United States will in any case allow us to gauge its popularity. Some analysts predict strong demand.

Finally, Apple specifies that its Vision Pro “is only available for sale in the United States” for the moment, but wishes to offer it “in other countries later this year”.