How to buy the Apple Vision Pro: A checklist of what you'll need at check out

Pre-orders for Apple's "spatial computing" device, the Apple Vision Pro, begin next week. Here's how to get your hands on the tech that Tim Cook promises will commence a "new era" for the company.

When does the Apple Vision Pro go on sale?

Pre-orders for Apple Vision Pro begin at apple.com/apple-vision-pro on Friday, Jan. 19 at 5 a.m. PT. You can buy the Apple Vision Pro at Apple retail stores beginning Friday, Feb. 2.

How much does the Apple Vision Pro cost?

You'll have to shell out a whopping $3,499 to buy Apple's latest gadget, which houses both an M2 chip and the brand-new R1 chip which is dedicated to processing input from the device's cameras, sensors, and microphones to achieve a "virtually lag-free, real-time view of the world." Apple also says the headset's eye-tracking tech will make navigating its visionOS a breeze.

What do you need to purchase the Apple Vision Pro?

An iPhone or iPad with Face ID

Apple will employ its own Face ID technology to determine a "precise fit" of the Apple Vision Pro's Light Seal and headband. So no matter where you order your Apple Vision Pro – on the Apple website, Apple Store app, or in person – an iPhone or iPad with Face ID is required. If you're purchasing through the app, make sure you have the most up-to-date version, which became available on January 11.

A vision prescription (if you wear glasses)

Those who wear glasses should be pleased to hear that unlike some of its more commercial predecessors (namely the Meta Quest and Quest 2), the Apple Vision Pro is meant to be worn without glasses. To achieve this, the company has partnered with ZEISS to create custom optical inserts. A few questions during the ordering process will help determine if you need optical inserts and, if you do, a valid prescription from a U.S. eye‑care professional will need to be uploaded after checkout.

Know before you buy with an in-store demo

Still not sure if the Apple Vision Pro is worth the hype? In-store demos of the device will be available over the launch weekend. Apple says sign-ups begin at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, and that demo times will be available "through the weekend on a first‑come, first‑served basis."

No word on where those demo sign-up links can be found (or if you can show up to the store to physically sign a list), but it's safe to assume they'll at least be available through the Apple website.