There’s a reason so many Aussies were late for work today

Friday mornings are tough on everyone trying to get to work on time but there’s a big reason so many Aussies were late today – and it was a costly one.

There was no line outside the Apple store in Sydney’s CBD this morning despite the technology brand’s recent launch of The Apple Vision Pro, its most innovative product yet.

A few short years ago, a new Apple product would have people queuing around the block as if Harry Styles was inside, but things are a bit more civilised today.

Less hysteria means more convenience. Eager Apple fans have to book an appointment to try and buy the new 3D camera experience product, the Apple Vision Pro.

If you’re a buyer, it makes the whole experience far more pleasant, but if you like the fanfare, you’ll have to go to a concert or try and get public transport during rush hour to get your kicks instead.

There was no line outside by 9am. Picture: news.com.au

Everyone was inside. Picture: news.com.au

At 9am, the Apple store is buzzing with tech diehards eager to try the new product and happy enough to be late for work.

Simon, the first customer with a booking, arrived at 7am sharp and left his home in Epping at 5am because he was so excited.

“I’m not a morning person. So I set five alarms,” he told news.com.au.

Alarms blaring in his ear aside, he is just very thrilled by the product.

“It is impressive. It is amazing!” he declared.

He did add that it wasn’t “cheap” and he’d been saving up for months to afford the product on opening day.

Simon was pumped. Picture: news.com.au

Inside was popping off. Picture: news.com.au

The Apple Vision Pro retails for $5999, but even that big price point in a cost-of-living crisis hasn’t put off consumers who were filling the store today and keen to try the product. You could genuinely hear people gasp as they tried it on.

To enjoy this experience, you do need to be prepared to wear the product, which resembles goggles and makes you look like you’re going scuba diving. But if you’re prepared to look ridiculous, you’ll be treated to being able to blend digital content with your physical space.

It’s an immersive experience, like bringing your iPhone or MacBook screen to life. You can stare at your own photos on a giant virtual screen and you use your own hands to direct the device.

People were keen to try the product. Picture: Supplied

No one had to line up outside, but inside people were hanging around waiting for their bookings.

People were excited and happily discussing the new product with the level excitement dads tend to reserve for a new product from Bunnings.

Someone described the product as being on the “bleeding edge”, which is exactly the kind of snappy phrase you want grown-men to be using when discussing technology.

Plenty of people described the product as “revolutionary” and “exciting”, and basically any other word you’d imagine a JB Hi-Fi worker saying to your mum in an attempt to get her to upgrade her iPhone.

There was lots of buzz. Picture: news.com.au

People were loving the new product. Picture: news.com.au

People were genuinely really hyped up, which is a pretty impressive attitude to have on a freezing cold Friday morning.

One customer was just there as emotional support for her friend, who was very keen. He joked he was “so excited” he hadn’t slept in days and she, on the other hand, was just more amazed by how invested everyone was in.

“It is like being in a Black Mirror episode,” she said, referencing a Netflix show that looks at how modern technology impacts the human experience.

She was just amazed to see Sydney people happy about something.

“Sydney people are usually so grumpy and have somewhere to be. It is nice to see people having fun. It is like an adult playground,” she said.

Her excited mate, who dragged her along, is less philosophical about the new product.

“I just want to get my hands on it,” he declared.

He then admitted he was running half an hour late for work and likely wouldn’t make it for another hour.

Still, considering when I asked someone why they were excited by the product, they replied loudly “because the technology is here” as if they were announcing Oprah was about to arrive, maybe it’s worth being late for work.

I mean, who wants to miss out on the future?

Originally published as There’s a reason so many Aussies were late for work today