In a frenzy of anticipation, Apple‘s Vision Pro has reportedly garnered substantial preorders, with an inside source estimating sales “upwards of 200,000” units. Known for accurate insights into Apple’s upcoming products, MacRumors adds credibility to this claim. This news follows Ming-Chi Kuo’s projection of 160,000 to 180,000 preorders based on his extensive study of Apple’s supply chain.

Due to the limited production, Vision Pro deliveries are being delayed until March

Apple Vision Pro

Despite the robust demand, Apple faces a challenge in meeting it promptly. Within an hour of preorders opening on January 19, delivery estimates were already pushed to March for certain storage tiers in specific U.S. states. As of now, March appears to be the estimate across all storage options and states, signaling a potential supply-demand mismatch.

The situation is compounded by the limited production capacity of key components. Apple sources its Vision Pro’s near-4K OLED microdisplays 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. Considering each headset requires two of these microdisplays, Vision Pro production might be capped at less than half a million units for the year.

In response to 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 Apple Vision Pro, supply constraints are expected to persist.

The high demand and constrained supply suggest that the Vision Pro could face extended backlogs, possibly lasting for months. Apple enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the latest VR/AR technology may need to exercise patience, especially considering the challenges in securing key components.

As the February 2 launch date approaches, Vision Pro’s success 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.

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