During the first weekend after pre-orders opened on January 19, 2024, Apple moved a sizable number of Vision Pro mixed reality headsets. Multiple industry trackers estimate shipments fell somewhere in the 160,000 to 180,000 range, a figure reported by media outlets citing Ming-Chi Kuo, a long-standing analyst affiliated with TF International Securities.
In his observations, Kuo described the demand as effectively exhausting the current Vision Pro lineup during the pre-order phase. He noted that buyers encountered longer wait times, with schedules stretching out to five to seven weeks. Based on his assessment, the earliest buyers would likely see delivery by mid-March 2024, assuming no changes in the order flow.
Kuo further suggested that the pace of demand could flatten in the near term. His reasoning centers on the product’s price point and niche appeal, which might limit the number of enthusiasts willing to commit early. If demand softens, the cadence of orders could slow, even as Apple continues to fulfill the backlog.
Analysts have projected Apple could reach a cumulative tally of around half a million Vision Pro units sold by year’s end, framing this as a milestone that would test the brand’s ability to scale in a premium category. The emphasis for Apple, in Kuo’s view, is to keep production aligned with demand while avoiding any long disruption to fulfillment. He remarked that achieving this balance should not pose a major obstacle if the trend holds.
Earlier reporting from industry sources noted by insiders pointed to additional complications facing Apple in other product arenas, including potential regulatory or technological hurdles that could influence future releases. The broader takeaway is that market dynamics for high-end AR devices hinge on supply chain resilience, competitive timing, and the ongoing reception from early adopters who influence subsequent demand patterns. Attribution: Ming-Chi Kuo, TF International Securities