Apple's Vision Pro Receives Substantial Preorders, Delivery Delayed Until March
Apple's highly anticipated Vision Pro has reportedly received a significant number of preorders, with an inside source estimating sales "upwards of 200,000" units. This claim is supported by MacRumors, known for its accurate insights into Apple's upcoming products. Ming-Chi Kuo, a reputable analyst, had previously projected preorders to be between 160,000 and 180,000 based on his extensive study of Apple's supply chain.
Limited Production Causes Delivery Delays
Despite the strong demand, Apple is facing a challenge in meeting it promptly. Within just one hour of preorders opening on January 19, delivery estimates were already pushed to March for certain storage tiers in specific U.S. states. Currently, March seems to be the estimate across all storage options and states, indicating a potential supply-demand mismatch.
Limited Production Capacity and Alternative Suppliers
The situation is further complicated by the limited production capacity of key components. Apple sources the near-4K OLED microdisplays for the Vision Pro from Sony, a supplier capable of producing a maximum of one million units annually, as reported by The Information, The Elec, and The Financial Times. Since each headset requires two of these microdisplays, the production of Vision Pro might be capped at less than half a million units for the entire year.
To address this limitation, Apple is reportedly exploring alternative suppliers for OLED microdisplays for future iterations of the Vision headset, as disclosed by The Financial Times. This strategic move could enhance production capacity and potentially reduce costs. However, for the initial release of the Apple Vision Pro, supply constraints are expected to persist.
Extended Backlogs and Patience Required
The high demand and constrained supply suggest that the Vision Pro could face extended backlogs, possibly lasting for months. Apple enthusiasts who are eager to experience the latest VR/AR technology may need to exercise patience, especially considering the challenges in securing key components.
Apple's Ability to Overcome Challenges
As the February 2 launch date approaches, the success of Vision Pro in the market will likely be measured not just by its preorders but also by Apple's ability to manage and improve its supply chain to meet sustained demand. The coming months will reveal whether Apple can overcome these challenges and deliver the Vision Pro to consumers in a timely fashion.
