Apple Vision Pro returns down 1 percent; Improving shipping times amid limited demand: Ku

Demand for the Apple Vision Pro in the US has slowed ‘significantly’ since the device went on sale in the US in February, while the percentage of customers returning the headset has also fallen, according to details shared by a market analyst. . Despite its expensive price, Apple’s first ‘spatial computer’ is expected to ship more units than ever before, and shipping times for the mixed reality headset are said to be significantly improved. The device is also expected to launch in global markets in the coming months.

According to details shared by TF Securities International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, less than 1 percent of Apple Vision Pro headsets are being returned by customers. According to the analyst’s latest market survey, 20 to 30 percent of units were returned by customers unable to set up the mixed reality headset.

On the other hand, according to Kuo, the shipping time for the Vision Pro has dropped to three to five days. Apple originally estimated its annual shipments for the headset in the US would be between 150,000-200,000 units, but the analyst claims the company expects to ship 200,000-250,000 units this year. He also predicted that Vision Pro shipments in the US may not increase unless Apple reduces the cost of its headsets.

Kuo previously predicted that the Apple Vision Pro will be introduced in markets outside the US before WWDC 2024, and the analyst says the company’s region-specific software revision schedule – possibly for VisionOS – will impact the release timeline. .

Recent reports suggest that Apple may be working on two Vision Pro models – a successor to the first-generation headset with new specifications, as well as a more affordable version that comes without Eyesight and is equipped with fewer cameras. However, Kuo says that Apple has not yet begun developing any of these rumored products and that other models with “significant changes to the Vision Pro specification” are unlikely to be produced by the company until 2027.