Apple’s Vision Pro: Chinese Consumers Eager to Experience Ahead of Launch

Rental Trend in China

As anticipation builds for the release of Apple’s Vision Pro headset in China, consumers are finding innovative ways to experience the technology firsthand. Reports from the South China Morning Post reveal a burgeoning trend where individuals are renting the high-end mixed reality headset from third-party vendors. Despite the device not yet being officially available for purchase in China, eager enthusiasts are seizing the opportunity to try out the cutting-edge technology through hourly or daily rentals.

Rental Market Dynamics

Advertisements offering Apple Vision Pro rentals have proliferated across various Chinese online platforms, including Alibaba Group Holding’s Xianyu and Zhuan Zhuan. The rental prices vary, ranging from approximately $13.62 US dollars (98 yuan) per hour to roughly $208 (1500 yuan) per day. Some merchants require a substantial deposit, while others provide the option to purchase the device after the rental period concludes. The popularity of these rentals underscores the eagerness of Chinese consumers to engage with the latest innovations from Apple.

Reception and Demand

Despite the unconventional rental approach, feedback from early adopters suggests a positive reception of the Vision Pro headset. Vision Space, a Beijing-based VR startup offering rentals, reported a surge in demand, with over 10,000 customers flocking to their brick-and-mortar stores within days of the device’s US launch. Customers expressed satisfaction with the device’s performance, prompting discussions about potential purchases in the future.

Future Outlook

While Apple CEO Tim Cook has hinted at an imminent release of the Vision Pro in China, an official launch date remains undisclosed. As anticipation continues to mount, third-party vendors offering rentals may face competition from Apple’s own retail channels. In the United States, Apple provides complimentary 30-minute demos of the headset guided by retail staff. Additionally, photography equipment rental companies like Lensrentals and ShareGrid are expanding their offerings to include Apple headset rentals, catering to consumers eager to experience the technology in their own homes.

As Chinese consumers eagerly await the arrival of the Vision Pro, the rental market presents a unique opportunity to engage with Apple’s latest innovation before it officially hits the shelves. With demand on the rise and positive feedback from early adopters, the Vision Pro is poised to make a significant impact on the Chinese tech landscape upon its official release.