Last week, Apple made waves in the tech world with the launch of its highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro, marking the tech giant’s first foray into a new product category since the introduction of the original Apple Watch nearly a decade ago. Reports indicate that the mixed reality headset quickly gained traction, with sales reportedly surpassing 200,000 units even before the product hit retail shelves in the United States. While currently available exclusively in the US, Apple has ambitious plans to expand the availability of the Vision Pro to key markets including China, Canada, and the UK in the near future.
According to a report from Chinese outlet IT Home, citing insights from Asian publication Wall Street News, the Apple Vision Pro is poised to make its debut in the Chinese market as early as April, with a latest launch expected by May. Supply chain sources have indicated that the device’s registration process with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China is nearing completion. Additionally, these sources suggest that initial sales of the headset in China are anticipated to be “relatively tight.”
Renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman of Bloomberg had previously reported that the Apple Vision Pro would expand its availability beyond the US, with launches planned in China, Canada, and the UK. Apple reportedly aims to ship 500,000 units of the Vision Pro in 2024.
However, the China launch may encounter some hurdles. The IT Home report reveals that Chinese tech giant Huawei currently owns the trademark ‘Vision Pro’ in the country, potentially requiring Apple to introduce its headset under a different name. Earlier reports had suggested that Apple might opt for the moniker ‘Reality Pro’ for the Chinese market.
Interestingly, Huawei is also rumored to be developing its own VR headset to rival the Apple Vision Pro, with a potential launch slated for later this year in China. Huawei’s increasing popularity in the Chinese smartphone market poses additional competition for Apple, particularly as demand for the iPhone 15 faces a slowdown.
Despite challenges, China remains a pivotal production hub for Apple, with the assembly of Apple Vision Pro headsets reportedly spearheaded by Chinese contract manufacturer Luxshare. Notable Taiwanese firms Pegatron and Foxconn have also played integral roles in the development of the AR headset, further solidifying China’s significance in Apple’s global supply chain.
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