The Apple Vision Pro, a device that merges the realms of augmented and virtual reality, has been a topic of interest since its announcement. Its pre-orders, which started in the U.S., have been met with significant demand, with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimating sales of between 160,000 to 180,000 units over the pre-order weekend alone. However, potential buyers are now grappling with the revelation of its high repair costs.
According to various sources, including MacRumors and AppleInsider, the repair costs for the Apple Vision Pro could be exorbitant. For example, if the glasses sustain any damage beyond a cracked screen, repair costs could skyrocket to $2,399. This price is alarmingly close to the cost of a new pair, with the base model priced at $3,499. Additional variants with higher storage capacities are priced at $3,699 (512 GB) and $3,899 (1 TB), further emphasizing the high stakes of owning such a device.
Interestingly, Apple has not listed a specific fee for battery replacement, though a separate battery accessory is available for $199. This omission has raised questions and concerns among potential buyers and tech enthusiasts alike.
The high repair costs have underscored the importance of AppleCare+, Apple’s extended warranty and service plan. This plan costs an additional $499 and significantly reduces the financial burden of repairs, bringing the price down to $299 per incident. Without it, owners of the Vision Pro are looking at repair bills that could amount to nearly 70% of the cost of a new device.
This situation inevitably leads consumers to a critical juncture — whether it is more economical to repair the Vision Pro in the event of damage or simply replace it. Given the high repair costs, the decision hinges heavily on whether customers opt for the AppleCare+ plan.
Nevertheless, the addition of AppleCare+ to the already hefty price tag of the Vision Pro makes it an investment that might be beyond the reach of average consumers.
