Pre-Ordering Apple’s Vision Pro: A Journey Unlike Any Other
Before I reflect on my spending habits, let me take a moment to appreciate the convenience of pre-ordering Apple's upcoming flagship product.
Buying Apple Vision Pro My smooth checkout process
I woke up this morning to the familiar “Apple alarm,” flipped open my laptop, and went on Apple.com with one mission in mind: to pre-order the highly anticipated Vision Pro headset. After spamming the Refresh button for what felt like ages, a little “Pre-order” button finally appeared in front of me. Without hesitation, I clicked it, and the rest is history. Well, $4,000 from my bank account history to be exact. But this time, something felt different.
See, I’ve been through the pre-ordering process for various Apple products over the past decade, and let me tell you, they never go as planned. Whether it’s a color or storage option running out of stock, the website crashing, or even my own mistakes, buying the latest iPhone or MacBook has always felt like embarking on a treacherous adventure. But with the Vision Pro, everything flowed seamlessly, almost too seamlessly. Allow me to take you through my pre-ordering journey.
The Journey Begins
7:55 am ET – Armed with the knowledge that an Apple device with Face ID would be required to order the Vision Pro, I made sure my iPhone was fully charged and ready to go.
8:00 am – The “Pre-order” button didn’t magically appear on the dot, but after a few more refreshes, I was finally granted access to the Vision Pro buying portal. The first step? Measuring my face for the Light Seal and headbands. A QR code appeared on the screen, instructing me to scan it with my Face ID-supported device. Interestingly, I didn’t have to use an iPhone or iPad linked to my iCloud, suggesting that if you were to buy the Vision Pro in person from an Apple Store, an associate would facilitate this step.
8:02 am – Like setting up Face ID on your iPhone or iPad, I dutifully moved my head in a circular motion, scanning all sides until each area was marked as properly captured. I did this twice, just to be thorough.
8:03 am – Next up, selecting my Zeiss Optical Inserts. Having used a similar (if not the same) pair with my Meta Quest 3, I can attest to the enhanced comfort they provide. If you don’t wear glasses or contacts or have monovision resulting from surgery, you won’t need these additional accessories. However, the system presents a questionnaire to help determine if you require readers or prescription lenses. The great news is that you don’t have to upload your prescriptions at this point, saving you time and effort.
8:05 am – Deciding on the storage size was an important consideration. I opted for the 512GB option, splurging an extra $200. Given the memory-intensive nature of spatial videos and immersive applications, it felt like the right choice. Plus, who knows what other incredible use cases will come along for this groundbreaking headset?
8:06 am – As someone who lives life on the edge, I decided to forego the $499 AppleCare+ plan. It’s a gamble, and I’m feeling lucky this time.
8:07 am – Typically, I have my Apple products delivered to my door to avoid long pick-up lines. However, considering the value and potential fragility of the Vision Pro, I opted for a different approach this time. Surprisingly, my nearby Apple Stores offered plenty of appointment options for device pick-up. I selected the earliest available slot on Friday, February 2nd, and completed my purchase.
A Smooth Sailing Experience?
Now, you might be wondering if this smooth pre-ordering experience was due to low demand or if Apple’s web servers were better prepared this time. I believe it’s the latter because, as of writing this article, Vision Pro delivery estimates have already been pushed to March in New York. The takeaway here is that, for the first time in a long time, pre-ordering an Apple product as complex as the Vision Pro felt refreshingly effortless. And with time, I’m confident it will only get better.
Also worth reading: Pre-ordering Apple Vision Pro? These 5 questions can help you decide
But wait, there’s more! 🎉
Q&A: Addressing Additional Reader Concerns
Q: Can I use any iPhone or iPad with Face ID for the Light Seal scanning process?
A: Yes, any iOS device equipped with Face ID capabilities can be used for the Light Seal scanning process. It doesn’t have to be linked to your iCloud account.
Q: Are the Zeiss Optical Inserts necessary for everyone?
A: No, the Zeiss Optical Inserts are designed specifically for those who wear glasses or contacts, or have monovision as a result of surgery. If you don’t fall into these categories, you won’t need the inserts.
Q: What happens if I change my mind about the Zeiss Optical Inserts after making the purchase?
A: Not to worry! You can revisit your decision at a later stage, as uploading your prescriptions is not required during the initial purchase process.
Q: Is AppleCare+ worth the investment for the Vision Pro?
A: While AppleCare+ offers an extra layer of protection and peace of mind, it ultimately depends on your risk tolerance and budget. Evaluate your own usage habits and decide if it’s a necessary addition for you.
Q: Can I still choose to have the Vision Pro delivered instead of picking it up from an Apple Store?
A: Absolutely! The option for delivery is still available, especially if you prefer the convenience of having the device shipped directly to your door.
Q: Will the smooth pre-ordering experience continue in the future?
A: As a technology enthusiast, I can confidently say that Apple continuously strives to refine their processes and provide optimal user experiences. With each new product release, we can expect further improvements in the pre-ordering journey.
Also worth reading: The most expensive Apple Vision Pro configuration is not as crazy as I thought
Looking Ahead: The Impact and Future Developments
The seamless pre-ordering experience for the Vision Pro undoubtedly leaves us with high expectations for what’s to come in the world of Apple products. As Apple continues to listen, learn, and adapt, we can anticipate even more streamlined processes and exceptional user experiences. The Vision Pro represents a significant step forward in the evolution of immersive technology, and its success lays the groundwork for future innovations in the augmented reality space.
In conclusion, pre-ordering the Vision Pro felt like a technological adventure reimagined. With smooth sailing from start to finish, Apple has raised the bar for pre-ordering experiences, leaving us excited for what the future holds.
References
- Pre-ordering Apple Vision Pro? These 5 questions can help you decide
- Get the perfect face swap using Midjourney AI
- Apple Vision Pro’s $199 Travel Case revealed – and it looks weirdly cozy
- Apple Vision Pro Zeiss Lens Inserts starting at $99
- Best Meta Quest 3 apps to try today
- Do You Need a NAS Storage Device for Your Aging Computer and Back Up Data
- How to Download YouTube Videos onto PC, iOS, Android, or Mac
- The Industrial Metaverse: Sony, Siemens, and Seek Unleash the Power of Immersive Engineering
Hey readers, have any of you pre-ordered the Vision Pro? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! Let’s geek out together and spread the excitement on social media! 🚀
