In advance of the February 2 release date, Apple sent an email to prospective Vision Pro buyers outlining the pre-order process and offering an in-store demo to try before purchasing.

The email, shared by 9to5Mac, first explains the pre-order process, which appears to require an iPhone or iPad with Face ID.

"This will help you determine the correct size of the light sticker and headband. The light sticker and headband work together to ensure an exact fit," Apple explained, adding that the latest version of the Apple Store app (updated on January 11) is required.

Second, if you wear glasses, you will need a prescription on hand.

"Since the Apple Vision Pro is designed to be used without glasses, we partnered with ZEISS to create a custom optical insert that works with most prescriptions.

"When you place your order, we will ask you a few simple questions to determine if you need optical inserts. If needed, please upload a valid, unexpired prescription from a U.S. eye care professional after checkout."

But for those still unconvinced (or for those who don't have $3,500 on hand), Apple will also be doing in-store demonstrations. Starting Friday, February 2 at 8 a.m., "you can sign up for an Apple Vision Pro demo at your local Apple Store.

Demo slots will be available "from Friday through the weekend on a first-come, first-served basis," Apple says, but does not specify how long people will be able to try the company's spatial computing revolution. It may depend on demand for demo units at each store.

One thing Apple may be reluctant to show off at these hands-on events is typing without a keyboard; according to Bloomberg's Mark Garman, this feature is a "complete write-off" in its current implementation.

"You have to poke each key with one finger, just as you did before you learned to type," he writes in a post to X.

"You can't just type on the keyboard. You can even pinch to see the letters; you'll want a Bluetooth keyboard."

Add that to the $3,500 tab for early adopters. But could it be more? Apple has been tight-lipped about versions beyond 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, but higher-spec versions could be on the way.

Despite the high cost of entry, the Vision Pro may be in short supply. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that only 60,000 to 80,000 units will be available at launch and that they will sell out quickly. We will find out in a few weeks.