MacRumors

With pre-orders now available for the Vision Pro, the first accessories for the upcoming device are starting to come out. So far, both Belkin and Spigen have announced Vision Pro-related products.

Belkin worked with Apple to design a Battery Holder for the Vision Pro Battery Pack. Priced at $50, the Belkin Battery Holder for Apple Vision Pro is the only non-Apple accessory that Apple is selling for Vision Pro at this time.

The Vision Pro battery fits inside the Battery Holder, which can be worn with a cross-body strap or a cable clip that clips on to a belt or pants. Apple is selling the accessory as an add-on for those that do not have a pocket to put the battery in while wearing the Vision Pro.

Spigen has debuted a Vision Pro pouch that offers protection for the device when it's not in use. Priced at $90, Spigen's case is more than $100 cheaper than the $200 Vision Pro Travel Case that Apple is selling.

Spigen's case features a nylon exterior, leather carrying strap, and an EVA shell for protection. There's a padded interior that secures the Vision Pro in place, along with a secret AirTag compartment for tracking the Vision Pro. It also appears to have space for the Vision Pro battery pack, cable, and ZEISS lens inserts. The case is set to deliver between February 21 and 23, so it won't be available right at launch day.

Other accessory makers like Speck have started teasing Vision Pro products ranging from carrying cases to battery holders, so it shouldn't be long before we see a whole range of Vision Pro accessory options.

The Vision Pro comes with a number of Apple apps that are also available on the iPhone and the iPad. We've seen some of the apps over the past few months in tidbits of information that Apple has provided, but the Vision Pro technical specifications that went live today alongside pre-orders list every app that the device comes with.

Pre-installed apps optimized for Vision Pro:

• App Store
• Encounter Dinosaurs
• Files
• Freeform
• Keynote
• Mail
• Messages
• Mindfulness
• Music
• Notes
• Photos
• Safari
• Settings
• Tips
• TV

Pre-installed apps not optimized for Vision Pro:

• Books
• Calendar
• Home
• Maps
• News
• Podcasts
• Reminders
• Shortcuts
• Stocks
• Voice Memos

Curiously, while there is a Keynote app that's pre-installed, Apple does not list the other iWork apps like Pages and Numbers. Find My is not on Apple's list, nor are the Health, Clock, Contacts, and Weather apps. FaceTime is not on the list, but the fine print confirms that there is indeed a FaceTime app and also a Capture app for taking video and photos on the device.

There may be some Apple apps that are not pre-installed but able to be downloaded from the App Store after launch, and there will be a number of third-party apps designed for the Vision Pro.

We'll be sharing a list of Vision Pro apps closer to when the headset debuts, and it is also worth noting that many iOS apps will run on the device automatically unless developers opt out.

Content that is displayed on the Apple Vision Pro display can be mirrored to an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or AirPlay-compatible smart TV using AirPlay, Apple confirmed today.

Apple's technical specifications page for the Vision Pro says that what's on your Vision Pro can be mirrored to any AirPlay-enabled device at up to 720p, which will allow you to show people what you're seeing on your headset.

iPhones and iPads were updated with the ability to receive content from the Vision Pro in iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2, and to use the feature, the ‌AirPlay‌ Receiver toggle must be turned on under General > ‌AirPlay‌ & Handoff.

While the Vision Pro's display can be mirrored to an ‌AirPlay‌ device, the headset can also serve as a display for a Mac. With the Mac Virtual Display feature, ‌AirPlay‌ 2 connects the Vision Pro wirelessly to a Mac, and a virtual representation of the Mac's display can be placed anywhere in space. Used this way, the Vision Pro essentially serves as an enormous, portable 4K display, according to Apple.

Note: Apple's specifications page previously said that content could be AirPlayed at 1080p, but later updated it to say 720p.

Apple today made a tweak to the iTunes Store app in iOS 17.3, giving users access to their TV show and movie wishlists. Apple with iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, and tvOS 17.2 killed wishlists without warning when it moved the option to purchase TV shows and movies from the iTunes Store app to the TV app.

Wishlist access was actually re-added to tvOS 17.2 just a few days after the update went live, but there has been no way to access a wishlist on an iPhone or iPad updated to iOS 17.2 or iPadOS 17.2.

With Apple's over-the-air update, iPhones and iPads running the iOS 17.3 beta will now have a "Go to Your Wish List" button under the Movie and TV Show sections, which provides access to everything that's been added to the list in the past. The list was first noticed by Twitter user Federico.

It may be a good idea to write down the TV shows and movies that are in the list because it might not be around forever. The Apple TV app that Apple has transitioned to does not have a wishlist function and instead adds content to the "Up Next" interface.

iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 are set to be released to the public next week.

In a support document published online today, Apple detailed using its Vision Pro headset with certain medical conditions.

Apple says customers with pre-existing medical conditions should consult with a healthcare provider before using the Vision Pro, as using the headset could "aggravate symptoms or increase the risk of injury or discomfort."

Apple says these medical conditions include:

• Heart conditions
• Migraines or chronic headaches
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Eye or vision conditions, such as binocular vision conditions
• Psychological conditions
• Inner ear conditions
• History of dry eyes, itchiness, or swelling of the eyelids
• Skin allergies or sensitivities
• Seizures
• Balance or gait conditions

Apple adds that pregnant individuals should exercise additional caution when using the Vision Pro due to an increased risk of nausea or loss of balance.

"If your medical provider confirmed that it's safe for you to use Apple Vision Pro, use the device seated and start with a less immersive experience," says Apple. "Use the device over short increments of time and take frequent breaks."

Apple also warns that the Vision Pro and its battery pack could interfere with nearby electronics, including cardiac pacemakers, hearing aids, and defibrillators.

"If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, consult a medical provider or the manufacturer of your medical device before using Apple Vision Pro," says Apple. The headset and battery should be kept at a safe distance from these medical devices.

Apple says customers should stop using the Vision Pro if they experience symptoms related to a medical condition or skin reactions.

For more details, read Apple's support document.

The information above is presented for reference only, and it does not substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The Vision Pro features an aluminum frame that houses a single piece of laminated glass for the front of the device, and as we've learned from the iPhone, glass is quite breakable. If the Vision Pro's glass cracks or the device is damaged in some other way, you could be facing an expensive repair without AppleCare+.

On Apple's Vision Pro service page, repair fees are listed. It will cost $799 to fix cracked cover glass, but if you need any other component repaired, the cost shoots up to $2,399. That's just $1,100 less than the full cost of the Vision Pro to begin with.

‌AppleCare‌+ is priced at $499 for two years of coverage, or customers can choose to pay $24.99 per month for ‌AppleCare‌+, with the coverage lasting until payments are canceled, so it's not cheap.

Vision Pro ‌AppleCare‌+ includes unlimited repairs for accidental damage, Apple-certified service and support, Express Replacement Service, and 24/7 priority access to "Apple experts." It is worth noting that there is a $299 deductible for any ‌AppleCare‌+ repair to the device itself (including a cracked display), and a $29 service fee for any accessories such as the Light Seal that are in need of repair.

Given the price of the Vision Pro headset, ‌AppleCare‌+ might be worth purchasing. As repairs are expensive, it will be worth finding some kind of protective case to use at a minimum to keep it safe if you plan to bring it from one location to another. Apple sells a case for $200, but there should soon be multiple third-party options available.

This week's best deals include all-time low prices on AirPods Pro, MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch. You'll also find an ongoing sale at Samsung with big discounts on popular monitors like the ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor and the Smart Monitor M8, as well as a few pre-order offers on the new Samsung Galaxy S24 Smartphones.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Samsung

• What's the deal? Save on Samsung monitors and the new Galaxy S24 smartphones
• Where can I get it? Samsung
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Over at Samsung, you can find a few solid discounts on computer monitors, including the 27-inch ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor ($400 off) and the 27-inch Smart Monitor M8 ($170 off).

For the new smartphones, customers can get up to $750 off the S24 Ultra with a trade-in, along with an exclusive $50 Samsung credit, a free storage upgrade (doubling storage at no cost), and a $100 eCertificate, plus students can get a 15 percent discount.

For the S24+, up to a $650 trade-in credit is available with a $50 Samsung credit, storage upgrade, $75 eCertificate, and a 7.5 percent student discount. For the S24, up to a $550 trade-in credit is available, along with a $50 Samsung credit, a storage upgrade, a $25 eCertificate, and a five percent discount for students.

AirPods Pro

• What's the deal? Take $60 off AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
• Where can I get it? Amazon
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Apple Vision Pro pre-orders went live today, and if you've got your order in and want to add lossless audio to the experience, be sure to pick up a pair of AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C. Amazon has the earbuds for $189.00 right now, down from $249.00.

Apple Watch

• What's the deal? Save on Apple Watch Series 9, SE, and Ultra 2
• Where can I get it? Best Buy
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Best Buy is hosting a big sale on Apple Watch models this weekend, with the Apple Watch Series 9, SE, and Ultra 2 all available at a discount.

MacBooks

• What's the deal? Take up to $250 off MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
• Where can I get it? Best Buy
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

In addition to Apple Watches, Best Buy's sale has big savings on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro notebooks. Some of these require you to have a My Best Buy Plus/Total membership, which start at $49.99/year.

• 256GB M2 15-inch MacBook Air - $1,049.00, down from $1,299.00
• 512GB M2 15-inch MacBook Air - $1,249.00, down from $1,499.00
• 512GB M3 14-inch MacBook Pro - $1,399.00, down from $1,599.00
• 1TB M3 14-inch MacBook Pro - $1,599.00, down from $1,799.00
• 1TB M2 15-inch MacBook Air - $1,649.00, down from $1,899.00

Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.

For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Plugable to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win an 11-inch iPad Pro and two Plugable accessories to go along with it: the TBT4-UD5 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station, and the magnetic AMS-STAND-11.

Plugable makes a range of docks, hubs, cables, stands, and other accessories for Apple's Mac and iPad lineup, and the TBT4-UD5 and AMS-STAND-11 are two of its newest devices.

Priced at $180 with a limited-time $20 discount, the TBT4-UD5 Thunderbolt 4 Dock includes all of the ports that you might need for a Mac. It is equipped with dual-display HDMI support at 4K 60Hz (or a single 8K display), a downstream Thunderbolt 4 port, a 10Gb/s USB-C port, two 10Gb/s USB-A ports, two 5Gb/s USB-A ports, SD and microSD card readers, a gigabit ethernet port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The dock supports up to 100W power delivery, so it is able to provide power to even the 16-inch MacBook Pro. While it can drive dual 4K displays at 60Hz through the Thunderbolt 4 port, this requires an M-series Pro or Max chip. 15W of power is available for charging peripheral devices such as an ‌iPad‌.

Plugable's AMS-STAND11 Magnetic iPad Stand is compatible with the 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ and the 10.9-inch iPad Air. It is made from an aluminum alloy that matches well with the ‌iPad‌, and it includes strong N52 magnets and anti-slip silicone padding to keep the ‌iPad‌ in place.

The stand has a 180-degree adjustable hinged arm that supports multiple viewing angles, along with a 360-degree rotatable panel for swapping between landscape and portrait orientations. With the adjustable arm, the stand can be folded down so far that it turns into a suitable surface for drawing and sketching.

When not in use, the stand is able to fold flat, which makes it easy to transport and take to school or work. Plugable is selling the stand for $80, but there is a $5 coupon available to celebrate the stand's launch. For those with the larger ‌iPad Pro‌ model, there's also a 12.9-inch version.

We have an 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌, Thunderbolt 4 dock, and ‌iPad‌ stand for one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner(s) and send the prize(s). You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, following us on Threads, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.

The contest will run from today (January 19) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on January 26. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after January 26 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss CES 2024, Samsung's S24 lineup, and the latest news surrounding Apple's Vision Pro headset.

We take a look at some of the latest advancements in TV technology, including transparent models from LG, and AI assistants like Rabbit R1. We also look at some of the tentpole features of Samsung's new Galaxy S24 lineup, such as a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and a wave of AI tools designed for enhancing photography and videography, editing text, and more.

Following Apple's announcement of the impending launch of the Vision Pro headset on February 2, we discuss the device's potential to redefine the AR/VR space, especially in the context of productivity workflows. We also address potential concerns regarding comfort and design, storage configurations, and our sense of anticipation about the device's launch.

The MacRumors Show is now exclusively on its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips going forward:

You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.

If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our look forward at all of Apple's biggest rumored announcements for 2024.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests like Kevin Nether, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Luke Miani, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Jon Prosser, Sam Kohl, Quinn Nelson, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.

Apple today provided a behind-the-scenes look at how its upcoming Vision Pro headset is manufactured in a video uploaded to its YouTube channel. The video was also shared by Apple CEO Tim Cook on social media platform X.

"A peek behind the scenes to see how we make Apple Vision Pro, our first spatial computer," said Apple, in the video's description on YouTube.

Apple began accepting pre-orders for the Vision Pro in the U.S. today, with pricing starting at $3,499. The headset launches February 2.

Best Buy has opened up a new 3-day weekend sale today, offering sitewide discounts on laptops, TVs, video games, headphones, tablets, sound bars, and much more. In terms of Apple products, this sale includes discounts on MacBooks, Apple Watches, AirPods, and iPads.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Some of these deals require a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total membership, which start at $49.99/year. In addition to exclusive access to select discounts, you'll get free 2-day shipping, an extended 60-day return window, and more.

For MacBooks, the highlight is Apple's 512GB 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro for $1,399.00 for My Best Buy Plus/Total members, down from $1,599.00. Best Buy also has the 1TB 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro on sale for $1,599.00, down from $1,799.00. Both of these are matches for the all-time low price on each computer.

Apple Watches

• Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS) - $199.00, down from $249.00
• Apple Watch SE (44mm GPS) - $229.00, down from $279.00
• Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm GPS) - $329.00, down from $399.00
• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm GPS) - $359.00, down from $429.00
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 - $749.00, down from $799.00

AirPods/Beats

• AirPods 2 - $99.99, down from $129.99
• Beats Fit Pro - $159.99, down from $199.99
• AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) - $189.99, down from $249.99

MacBooks

• 256GB M2 15-inch MacBook Air - $1,049.00, down from $1,299.00
• 512GB M2 15-inch MacBook Air - $1,249.00, down from $1,499.00
• 512GB M3 14-inch MacBook Pro - $1,399.00, down from $1,599.00
• 1TB M3 14-inch MacBook Pro - $1,599.00, down from $1,799.00
• 1TB M2 15-inch MacBook Air - $1,649.00, down from $1,899.00

iPads

• 64GB Wi-Fi 10th Gen iPad - $349.00, down from $449.00
• 256GB Wi-Fi 10th Gen iPad - $499.00, down from $599.00
• 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air - $499.99, down from $599.99
• 256GB Wi-Fi iPad Air - $649.99, down from $749.99

Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.

Apple today provided a closer look at what comes in the box with the Vision Pro, which is now available to pre-order in the United States.

Two notable accessories include a cover for the Vision Pro's front glass, and a polishing cloth with Vision Pro branding. Other accessories are more familiar by now, including the Solo Knit Band, Dual Loop Band, external battery pack, and more.

Alongside the Vision Pro, the following accessories are included in the box:

• Light Seal
• Light Seal Cushion (Two Sizes)
• Solo Knit Band
• Dual Loop Band
• Front Cover
• Battery Pack
• Polishing Cloth (Vision Pro Branding)
• 30W USB-C Power Adapter
• USB‑C Charging Cable

For more details about these accessories, read our previous coverage of what's in the box.

Apple's Vision Pro headset can weigh almost 23 ounces (650 grams), depending on configuration, the company today confirmed.

Apple says that the Vision Pro specifically weighs between 21.2 and 22.9 ounces (600 and 650 grams) depending on which Light Seal and head band is used on the device. The separate battery weighs 12.5 ounces (353 grams). For reference, this means that an Apple Vision Pro, excluding the battery, weighs almost as much as a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which comes in at 24 ounces (682 grams).

The weight of Apple's headset was unknown until today, but it was widely rumored to be heavy compared to competing devices. This is not necessarily the case, since while the Meta Quest 3 weighs 18.2 ounces (516 grams), the higher-end Meta Quest Pro weighs 25.5 ounces (722 grams) – substantially more than the Vision Pro. However, the Meta Quest Pro has a weighted battery pack at the back of the headset's headband to make it much less front-heavy and ostensibly improve comfort.

Pre-orders of the Vision Pro opened earlier today and the device launches in the United States on Friday, February 2.

The optional ZEISS lens inserts designed for Apple's Vision Pro headset can be engraved at no additional cost.

Custom wording of the customer's choice can be engraved into the black plastic sides of the optional ZEISS lens inserts designed for those who normally wear glasses or contact lenses. The option is probably intended to help multiple users identify which lens inserts belong to them, rather than be a novel way to personalize the device, since they are very small and there is no other engraving option for the Vision Pro.

Apple offers two versions of the ZEISS Optical Inserts at different price points. "ZEISS Optical Inserts — Readers" are available for $99, while "ZEISS Optical Inserts — Prescription" are available for $149. The inserts attach to the Vision Pro lenses magnetically, allowing for precise viewing and eye tracking. Purchase requires a valid prescription from an optician.

Pre-orders of the Vision Pro started earlier today and the device goes on sale in the United States on Friday, February 2.

For international customers who are thinking of purchasing Apple Vision Pro in the United States and using it in their own country, Apple has cautioned that they will be faced with several limitations when attempting to use the device.

According to a FAQ on Apple's Vision Pro pre-order page on its online store, the experience will differ from a U.S.-based customer in the following ways:

• ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ only supports English (U.S.) for language and typing and English for Siri and Dictation.
• App Store requires an Apple ID with region set to the U.S.
• Purchases on Apple Music and TV app require an ‌Apple ID‌ with region set to the U.S.
• For customers with vision correction needs, ZEISS will only accept vision prescriptions written by U.S. eye care professionals, and will only ship to U.S. locations.
• Customers may not be able to access certain apps, features, or content due to licensing or other restrictions in those countries or regions.
• Apple Support is only available in the U.S.

Apple says that the spatial computing headset is designed for customers in the U.S. to use at home, at work, and while traveling. "We look forward to bringing ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ to more countries later this year," notes the company.

While orders are limited to the United States for the time being, Apple is likely to launch the Vision Pro headset outside the U.S. before WWDC 2024 in June, with Canada and the United Kingdom tipped as the first two other countries in which the headset will be available.

The Vision Pro will launch on Friday, February 2, which is when pre-orders will be delivered to U.S. customers.

Apple today published a ten-minute "Guided Tour" video for its Vision Pro headset, walking new users through its interface and key features.

The video, available on the Vision Pro page of Apple's website and on YouTube, provides a basic overview of how to use the headset and its key features. It highlights aspects like viewing photos and panoramas, Spatial Video playback, placing windows in 3D space, FaceTime calls, immersive environments, bringing a Mac display into the space, and experiences like Mindfulness and "Encounter Dinosaurs." Watch the full Guided Tour video on Apple's website.

Pre-orders of the Vision Pro opened earlier today and the device launches in the U.S. on Friday, February 2.

Delivery dates for orders of Apple's Vision Pro headset have already slipped to mid-March after pre-orders opened earlier today.

The Vision Pro launches in the United States on Friday, February 2, but those now placing an online pre-order will not receive the headset until around the middle of March for all three storage capacities. This delivery time frame is likely to get pushed back even further as more people place orders.

Apple could have some in-store stock available for in-person purchase on Friday, February 2, as well as in subsequent days and weeks as stores receive new deliveries for walk-in buyers, but supply is still highly likely to be limited. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently reported that only 80,000 headsets would be available for the device's launch and warned that the device could quickly sell out.

Apple Vision Pro should not be used while wearing hard contact lenses, Apple says in its pre-order process for its new spatial computing headset.

According to a new linked support document, wearing hard contacts "might impact your experience with ‌Apple Vision Pro‌." Apple goes on to suggest that those who use such contacts when not wearing glasses may be able to use ZEISS Optical Inserts instead.

If you experience difficulty with eye tracking, and your eye care provider has indicated that eye glasses with a comprehensive prescription are an option for you, then you may consider ordering ZEISS Optical Inserts. Otherwise, you may use an alternate form of input such as Pointer Control.

For users who have had monovision corrective surgery, Apple recommends that they consult with an eye care provider for a comprehensive prescription that works within the supported prescription range for ‌Apple Vision Pro‌. Apple also says that ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ works well with most soft contact lenses, but cosmetic contact lenses are not compatible with the headset and should be removed before using the device.

Apple also offers the following advice for people with a diagnosed vision condition:

Some medical conditions, such as those involving eyelid drooping, changes in eye alignment (including strabismus or lazy eye), or uncontrolled eye movements (including nystagmus) might make it difficult for Apple Vision Pro to properly detect your eyes. This might impact the visual experience.

Apple says that to compensate for any of the above, users can adapt ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ to suit their needs for navigation using the headset's accessibility features. Instead of using their eyes, users can use their wrist, head, index finger, or voice to navigate.

Starting at $3,499, ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ pre-orders are now open, with the devices scheduled to ship to customers on February 2.