Apple Vision Pro: As Apple prepares for the global launch of its highly anticipated Vision Pro mixed reality headsets, an intriguing trend is unfolding in China. Tech enthusiasts eager to acquire this cutting-edge gadget are encountering a unique challenge – the emergence of a grey market where prices are skyrocketing.
Customers in China are willing to pay more than twice the original price for the headset, creating a frenzy among buyers. Resellers are capitalizing on this demand, doubling the asking price of the Vision Pro. Reports indicate that enthusiastic customers are ready to pay twice the official rate to secure this high-tech device, dwarfing the original price range of $3,499 to $3,899, depending on the model.
This trend is not entirely novel. The practice, known as Daigou, involves agents traveling overseas to purchase luxury items, which are then sold back home at marked-up prices. While the pandemic had subdued this market, the easing of travel restrictions has led to a resurgence. With Apple’s new product launch, Daigou sellers are back in action, promising deliveries from the U.S. to China.
The Vision Pro is expected to make significant waves in the mixed reality sector, a domain where companies like Meta and Pico have previously ventured with limited success. Apple’s entry is considered a game-changer, potentially revitalizing the market. Industry experts foresee a turning point for VR/AR technologies, projecting a significant growth in headset shipments this year.
Despite challenges in the industry, such as Pico scaling back operations due to lower-than-expected sales, Apple’s entry into the arena could shift the dynamics in favor of augmented and virtual reality technologies.
For Apple, this venture goes beyond adding another product to its lineup; it’s about diversifying revenue streams. With the iPhone being a major revenue generator, the Vision Pro provides a new avenue, especially in tech-hungry markets like China.