Apple's Vision Pro Demos to Feature Living-Room Ambiance

As Apple makes final preparations for the release of the Vision Pro on February 2, more details have been emerging about how the company plans to present the mixed-reality headset to people visiting its retail stores. The Vision Pro is the most important product release for Apple since the launch of the Apple Watch nearly a decade ago, and the company is ensuring that staff at Apple Stores in the U.S., where the Vision Pro will launch first, are specially trained to offer shoppers the best experience.

Store visitors will have the opportunity to handle the Vision Pro at display tables, but they are also encouraged to book a one-on-one demonstration to fully experience its capabilities. Mark Gurman, an Apple tipster, reports that around 50 of Apple’s largest U.S. stores will feature a cozy new seating area for these demo sessions, designed to replicate a home setting. This setup includes crescent-shaped benches with faux leather and carpet on the floor to mimic a living room.

In stores with a simpler setup, the demo session will take place at a dedicated table with seating. Gurman also revealed details about the sales process. Customers who order the Vision Pro online can either take the device and leave, go through an in-store demo, or have a one-on-one setup process with an employee to confirm the size and fit specified at the time of order. If a customer finds that the headset doesn’t fit at home, they can return to the store to resolve the issue.

The packaging for the Vision Pro is described as “giant,” and buyers will be offered a commemorative shopping bag. Gurman notes that some stores are expecting little-to-no day-one availability for non-preorders, with Apple’s initial inventory of about 80,000 units selling out in the first hour of preorders.

The Vision Pro costs $3,499 for the basic package, with the potential to spend up to $4,547 on it.