A new major piece of Apple hardware is nearly here: Apple Vision Pro preorders are set to go live Friday, January 19 at 8 a.m. ET, exclusively at the Apple Store. As for when you can actually put it on your head, it will be available on February 2. That’s coming right up. So if you’re interested in getting your hands on this futuristic piece of tech, you’ll want to know where, how, and what to expect when you preorder it. We have everything you need to know below.
How to Preorder the Apple Vision Pro
The Vision Pro is the highest profile virtual and augmented reality (which Apple calls “spacial computing”) headset to hit the market in quite some time. Apple calls it a “revolutionary spatial computer that transforms how people work, collaborate, connect, relive memories, and enjoy entertainment.” It’s not cheap, though. Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499 (with 256GB storage) and will likely go up from there, depending on how you want to spec it out.
The device will ship with a handful of first-party apps, including Apple TV, Photos, Notes, Safari, and Freeform. But, just like for iOS devices, Apple is opening a Vision Pro App Store, where you’ll be able to purchase additional apps, including those made by third-party developers, like streaming services.
Apple Vision Pro Preorder Tips
Preordering the Apple Vision Pro is a more complex process than your average preorder. To that end, the Apple Store app has a list of preorder tips for the Apple Vision Pro, some of which are quite unique to the headset. Here they are:
- Make sure your Apple Store app is up to date - Pretty standard stuff. You don’t want to have to download an update when you’re scrambling to lock in a preorder. Apple says (at the time of this writing, at least) the most recent update for the app arrived on January 11.
- Have an iPhone or iPad with Face ID nearby - You’ll need to use Face ID to scan your face when you order the headset. This helps Apple “determine the right size Light Seal and head bands” it will include with the device.
- Have your vision prescription on hand - Unlike most other headsets, the Apple Vision Pro is not designed to be used with glasses. To that end, when you order it you can add optical inserts in the form of readers for an extra $99, or prescription inserts for $149. For the latter, you’ll need to “upload a valid, unexpired prescription from a U.S. eye-care professional after checkout.”
When Will Apple Vision Pro Reviews Be Available?
Review units are starting to go out to members of the media this week, and reviews are expected to go live shortly before the official release date. In other words, you can expect to see reviews toward the end of January.
For more information, check out everything we know about Apple Vision Pro. And if you're interested in the wider world of similar products -- all the rest of which are significantly cheaper, by the way -- check out our rundown of the best VR headsets.
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Threads.
