Apple’s mixed-reality headset has finally made its way to China, but with a retail price that is approximately 18% higher than in the United States. With a starting price of 29,999 yuan ($4,128) in China compared to $3,500 in the U.S., this significant price difference has sparked some interesting conversations among customers.
One customer in Beijing, surnamed Chen, shared his thoughts on the pricing of the Vision Pro headset. He suggested that Apple CEO Tim Cook consider reducing the price by about 10,000 yuan ($1,376) to make it more accessible to consumers in China. Chen also pointed out that there is a growing trend of people opting for second-hand Vision Pro headsets due to the discounted prices offered by unauthorized sellers.
On Chinese social media platform Weibo, discussions about the value of purchasing the Chinese version of the Vision Pro headset were trending. Many users were questioning whether the higher price tag was justified and whether the features of the device warranted the investment. This indicates a level of skepticism among Chinese consumers regarding the pricing strategy of Apple in the local market.
Greater China plays a significant role in Apple’s revenue, accounting for about 18% of the company’s earnings in the past quarter. However, Apple has been facing increased competition from domestic brands like Huawei, as well as concerns related to national security. This competitive landscape has forced Apple to reconsider its pricing strategy in order to maintain its market share in China.
Despite the pricing concerns, customers like Chen have shown interest in the Vision Pro headset. Chen pre-ordered the device and received training on how to use it at an Apple store in Beijing. The popularity of the product was evident as all training sessions for pre-orders were fully booked throughout the day. Moreover, Chinese companies such as Tencent, Alibaba, and JD.com have introduced Vision Pro versions of their apps to enhance the user experience for customers.
The launch of Apple’s mixed-reality headset in China has been met with a mix of excitement, skepticism, and price-related concerns. As Apple navigates the competitive landscape and consumer preferences in China, it will be interesting to see how the company adjusts its pricing strategy and marketing efforts to drive adoption and maintain its market position.