In the early hours of this morning, Apple enthusiasts around the world were met with an unexpected obstacle as the Apple Store mysteriously went offline, leaving eager shoppers unable to make any purchases.
The unusual disruption was, in fact, a strategic move by the tech giant ahead of the highly-anticipated launch of its latest innovation, the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Scheduled for pre-order availability in the United States at 5 am local Pacific Time, 8 am Eastern Time, and 1 pm in the UK, the Vision Pro is poised to revolutionize the realm of augmented reality.
However, the temporary shutdown of the Apple Store added an air of suspense to the proceedings, leaving enthusiasts to wonder what surprises the Cupertino-based company had in store.
A bespoke message adorned the temporarily disabled storefront, proclaiming, "Back in a blink. We're getting the Apple Store ready for Apple Vision Pro."
This cryptic message has become a customary prelude to major Apple product launches, leaving tech aficionados on the edge of their seats.
The Vision Pro, priced at a substantial $3,499, is projected to experience high demand upon its release on February 2. Industry insiders suggest that Apple, known for its meticulous planning, deliberately takes down its website to build anticipation and generate excitement around its latest offerings.
Reports circulating the tech sphere indicate that Apple has modest expectations for the initial sales of the Vision Pro, acknowledging that the headset's immersive capabilities may take time to resonate with consumers.
This cautious approach has led to speculations that the headset may face shortages, prompting potential buyers to act swiftly once the Apple Store reopens.
In preparation for the Vision Pro's launch, Apple has issued guidance to customers, urging them to ready their iPhones for facial scanning to ensure the correct headset size and to have their glasses prescriptions on hand for the customized slot-in lenses.