Apple might begin mass shipments of the Vision Pro sooner than expected.

Often dependable supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated in a note on Monday that Apple will start shipping large quantities of its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset "in the first week of January" before introducing it in Apple Stores in late January or early February.

According to Kuo, Apple intends to ship "approximately 500,000" Vision Pro devices in an effort to ensure the greatest possible start to the company's most significant product launch in years.

According to the current mass shipment schedule, Kuo predicted that the Vision Pro would likely hit store shelves in late January or early February. These remarks aligned with a recent report from reputable Apple analyst Mark Gurman, who stated last week that Apple was getting ready to launch the headset "by February."

Since revealing the Vision Pro in June, Apple has not provided a firm launch date, only stating that it would be available in stores "early 2024." Following that, rumors began to circulate that Apple would probably launch the mixed-reality headset in March 2024.

However, given that these two prominent tipsters are essentially saying the same thing, it appears more likely than not that Apple will release the Vision Pro for sale in approximately one month—a little sooner than anticipated.

Gurman reported last week that Apple is currently "ramping up production" of the Vision Pro at its factories in China, "setting the stage for a launch by February," citing people with knowledge of the situation. He continued, saying that for the past few weeks, production of the Vision Pro has been proceeding "at full speed at facilities in China."

The tech behemoth is allegedly encouraging software developers to test their apps and submit them to Apple for feedback in order to prepare for the new mixed-reality headset as the launch date draws closer.

Additionally, Apple intends to train employees of Apple Stores on the proper ways to introduce and demonstrate the Vision Pro to prospective clients.

Is the Vision Pro going to be successful? It's hard to tell for sure, but the steep $3,499 price tag is one thing that might turn off a lot of potential buyers. There are also rumors that Apple is working on a less expensive model, but it might take some time before it is released.