Unveiling Apple's Vision Pro: A Rapid Sell-Out, But Will Demand Sustain?

Apple's Vision Pro: A Swift Sell-Out Raises Doubts

In the blink of an eye, Apple's Vision Pro headset vanished from the shelves as preorders opened last Friday. The rush was undeniable, but a note of caution is sounded by top Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities.

Shipping Times Skyrocket as Demand Peaks

Within hours, shipping times for all Vision Pro models escalated to five to seven weeks, signaling an astounding sell-out. Kuo's blog post estimates a remarkable 160,000 to 180,000 units snapped up over the weekend. The frenzy is palpable, yet questions linger about the longevity of this demand.

Lingering Doubts: Will the Fervor Persist?

While the initial surge is impressive, Kuo points out a concerning pattern. Unlike popular iPhone models that witness a steady increase in shipping times post-preorder, Vision Pro's extended shipping times persist unchanged even 48 hours later. This raises a red flag for Kuo, hinting that demand might taper off once the core fans and heavy users secure their orders.

A Prognosis: Can Apple Meet the Demand?

Kuo, in his blog, suggests it "should not be challenging" for Apple to ship 500,000 Vision Pro units this year. This stands in stark contrast to his earlier forecast of a modest production range of 60,000 to 80,000 units for the product's anticipated Feb. 2 release.

Varying Analyst Predictions: What Lies Ahead?

Morgan Stanley analysts, on the other hand, anticipate Apple shipping 300,000 to 400,000 units of its virtual reality headset this year, with potential for more depending on initial sell-through feedback. The $3,499 Vision Pro, according to Wall Street analysts, may not provide an immediate revenue surge for Apple, but its initial reception is under scrutiny as it hints at future potential in this new product category.

In Conclusion: Anticipation and Uncertainty Surround Vision Pro

As the dust settles from the whirlwind preorders, Apple finds itself in a unique position. The Vision Pro's rapid sell-out is undeniable, yet the sustained demand remains an open question. Analysts, with varying perspectives, keep a watchful eye on how this groundbreaking product could shape Apple's future in the evolving landscape of virtual reality.