Resellers are taking advantage of the high demand for Apple’s Vision Pro headset by listing it at significantly inflated prices outside the US, just days after its launch.
International Listings at Markups
Listings on platforms like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and Asian marketplaces show the Vision Pro being sold at prices well above its official $3,500 price tag. For instance, one Gumtree listing in the UK priced the headset at £7,500 ($9,400), while another on Facebook Marketplace listed it for £5,000. These prices represent more than double the official retail price.
In Asian markets, similar trends are observed. In Japan, the Vision Pro was sold for 800,000 yen ($5,400) on Mercari. Meanwhile, on Taobao in China, a reseller listed it for 36,000 yuan ($5,000), and in Singapore, another reseller priced it at 8,500 Singapore dollars ($6,300).
Delayed International Launch
Despite the strong demand, Apple has not yet announced an official launch date for the Vision Pro outside the US. Analysts suggest that this delay is due to Apple’s cautious approach, as it monitors the initial sales performance and navigates regulatory compliance in different countries.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that Apple is likely adjusting its algorithms to comply with regulations in various markets before launching the product internationally. Additionally, potential trademark issues in China, where Huawei owns the “Vision Pro” trademark, could pose a barrier to entry for Apple.
Successful US Launch
In the US, where the Vision Pro was released on February 2, Apple has reportedly sold approximately 200,000 units since preorders opened in mid-January. CEO Tim Cook highlighted the headset’s advanced technology, boasting about the inclusion of 5,000 patents, which justifies its premium price point.
Future Outlook
As resellers capitalize on the demand for the Vision Pro, Apple continues to navigate challenges related to its international expansion. Negotiating trademark issues and ensuring regulatory compliance are crucial steps for Apple to overcome before launching its highly anticipated mixed-reality device in global markets.
Apple’s silence on the matter, despite inquiries, suggests that the company is focused on its ongoing sales strategy and international expansion plans, which may unfold in the coming months.