Apple Vision Pro Return Rates: Debunking the Mass Returns Narrative
When Apple released the highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro headset, it was met with a wide range of opinions. As with any polarizing product, there were bound to be some returns. However, the narrative that the Apple Vision Pro was being returned in droves to Apple Retail appears to be false.
Apple’s generous return policies allow customers to return products within 14 days of purchase for almost any reason, as long as the product is returned complete. This policy doesn’t discourage returns, especially when opinions on a product are as varied as they are for the Apple Vision Pro.
The narrative of mass returns started on Wednesday, fueled by Twitter sources and complaints about the headset. While these complaints are valid, using them as evidence of mass returns is misleading. To get a clearer picture of the situation, sources inside Apple’s retail chain at 24 mostly US east coast stores have been monitoring return volumes for the past week. So far, there doesn’t seem to be a significant increase in returns, certainly not a cataclysmic flood.
As of February 16, at about 1PM Eastern Time, the rate of return for the Apple Vision Pro doesn’t appear to be any higher than other Apple products. According to one senior Apple Retail employee, “We’ve had a few in a few days, not outside the normal range for new stuff across the entire region. Maybe like not-pro iPhone levels, proportionately, two weeks after release?”
Other sources inside retail stores mentioned that Apple seemed to anticipate a high return rate, given the in-store support documentation on the matter. However, despite these expectations, there hasn’t been a surge in returns. Employees have been following a checklist for returns, ensuring that all pieces are intact and the packaging is undamaged. One employee mentioned using the checklist twice that week.
It’s important to note that data collection for return rates is challenging. The exact number of units sold at retail or per store is unknown, and online sales often get returned at retail stores. The senior source mentioned a similar situation with the Apple Silicon Mac Pro, where most returns were from online purchases.
While there isn’t concrete data on return rates, the information from retail employees who have dealt with returns for some time provides some insight into the situation. Apple itself is unlikely to release any official data or statements regarding return rates.
Who is returning the Apple Vision Pro? Aside from buyers experiencing buyer’s remorse for a $3500 purchase, there are two main groups returning the product. The first group consists of buyers who immediately experience a biological incompatibility with the headset. These individuals often return the product within a day or two due to motion sickness or being denied by prescription-filling.
The second major group returning the Apple Vision Pro appears to be media producers who are essentially using the purchase as a free rental. When asked about the most common returners, one retail employee bluntly stated, “It’s just the f***ing YouTubers so far.” This sentiment was echoed by other Apple retail staffers, who mentioned that YouTubers tend to return every product they purchase.
As of February 16, which marks the two-week deadline from the first-day receipt of the headset, there hasn’t been a significant change in return rates. The situation will continue to be monitored over the weekend, and any updates will be provided accordingly.
In case you were wondering, the AppleInsider staff will not be returning any Apple Vision Pro headsets.