Apple CEO Tim Cook defended the $3,500 price tag of the newly launched Apple Vision Pro mixed-reality headset during an earnings call. Cook attributed the high cost to the extensive technology packed into the device, emphasizing its inclusion of 5,000 patents. Despite concerns about the steep price, the device generated significant pre-order demand, with Apple selling out almost immediately.

The Apple Vision Pro, featuring two Apple Silicon chips and 600 new apps and games, marks Apple's first major product launch in years. Cook highlighted the headset's innovative features, including AI-driven experiences like hand tracking and room mapping.

The CEO underscored the multi-year effort Apple invested in developing the Vision Pro's technology, encompassing advancements in silicon, displays, and significant AI and machine learning integration. While the high price point might be a barrier for some consumers, Cook stressed that the product's value lies in its technological sophistication.

Companies like Walmart and Nike are already exploring potential applications for the Vision Pro, indicating interest beyond consumer use. The device enables wearers to experience digital content within their physical surroundings, emphasizing Apple's push into spatial computing and augmented reality.

However, early reviews mentioned the headset's somewhat cumbersome weight, possibly influenced by the multitude of patents contributing to its technological capabilities. As Apple reported its first year-over-year sales gain in over a year, the Vision Pro stands as a significant milestone in the company's strategy to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and solidify its position in the spatial computing landscape.