Apple is ramping up production of its upcoming Vision Pro headset as it works to stay on track for a February launch, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
Gurman says production has been “running at full speed” for the last several weeks to ensure that supplies of the Vision Pro are ready by the end of January, to prepare for a February retail launch. Apple unveiled the Vision Pro at WWDC in June.
Initially, sales of the Vision Pro will be limited to the United States, and customers will likely be required to purchase the headset in an Apple retail store or pick up an online order in-store. This requirement is due to Apple’s desire that customers have the proper headband size and Light Seal to ensure a correct fit. Glasses-wearing customers will also need to purchase custom Zeiss prescription lenses. Retail stores will receive new equipment to assemble and package the headset in the near future.
Apple is preparing to display and demonstrate the Vision Pro in some of its retail stores. Locations will need to have headsets on hand as well as all of the accessories, including the different-sized headbands and Light Seals.
Apple has invited retail employees from each U.S. Apple Store to travel to Cupertino, California to receive training on both selling and using the headset. Apple sent a memo to retail employees asking them to apply for the “secretive” event. Employees would be accepted only after completing an application and interview process. Staff training is set to start in mid-January.
Each employee in attendance will receive two days of training, including instructions on the Vision Pro’s setup process, approaching a customer, and placing the device on a user’s head.
While Apple continues to plan for a February launch, Gurman warns that any production or other issues could lead to a delay.