Apple Vision Pro is Apple’s first mixed reality headset that was announced in June 2023. It represents Apple’s entry into the growing market of spatial computing and mixed reality devices. Before its official release, many users wanted to know about Apple Vision Pro, so here we have gathered all the important details about Apple’s innovative Vision Pro.
About Vision Pro
Apple describes the Vision Pro as a “spatial computer” that seamlessly integrates digital content and information with the real, physical world. It uses a combination of virtual reality and augmented reality technology to create immersive experiences.
Some key things to know about the Apple Vision Pro:
- Release Date: February 2024
- Price: Starts at $3499
- Features: High-resolution displays, spatial audio, precise tracking, hand/eye/voice inputs
- Use Cases: Entertainment, communication, productivity, content creation
Hardware and Design
The Vision Pro headset features a sleek and curved design made of lightweight materials for comfort. It uses innovative technologies like micro-OLED displays and custom Apple silicon to enable visually stunning graphics.
Specifically, the Vision Pro has:
- Dual 4K micro-OLED displays (one for each eye)
- Powerful Apple M2 chip
- Custom Apple R1 chip for sensor processing
- 12 cameras for tracking hand movements and gestures
- 5 additional sensors
- Spatial audio system
- Eye tracking system
It lacks any external controllers. Instead, inputs are handled through a combination of voice commands, hand tracking, eye tracking, and head movements.
The Vision Pro is powered by an external battery pack that provides up to 2 hours of continuous use. It can also be powered through a connected Mac computer.
Software and Ecosystem
The Vision Pro runs on a new operating system called visionOS that is based on iOS. visionOS enables immersive 3D experiences by integrating digital objects and information into real-world environments.
A key feature enabled by visionOS is called EyeSight. It uses the Vision Pro’s cameras to capture a video feed of the user’s eyes. This allows others in the room to see the user’s eyes and facial expressions for more natural communication and collaboration.
The Vision Pro will have access to a whole new Vision Pro App Store where users can discover and download visionOS-optimized apps as well as all their favorite iPhone and iPad apps. Leading apps like Slack, Microsoft Office, and more are expected to launch Vision Pro-compatible versions.
For developers, Apple announced new APIs, SDKs, and other tools to build visionOS apps from scratch or adapt existing iOS/iPadOS apps to the new platform.
Use Cases
Apple is positioning the Vision Pro primarily for entertainment, communication, productivity, and content creation. Some examples of use cases highlighted by Apple:
Entertainment: Watch movies and shows on a massive personal theater screen; experience immersive games and interactive stories
Communication: Have more engaging video calls where users can see each other’s facial expressions and eye contact
Productivity: View multiple virtual monitors for multitasking; collaborate on 3D models and designs
Content Creation: Record 3D videos and spatial photos; edit videos and images on a giant canvas
The Vision Pro aims to transform existing experiences like watching videos or working on documents into more immersive, productivity-boosting interactions. While the potential is vast, much will depend on the strength of visionOS apps leveraging the headset’s capabilities.
Summing Up…
As Apple’s first entry into the mixed reality space, all eyes are on the Vision Pro to push the category mainstream. Apple’s track record of delivering polished consumer technology gives it a strong chance. But with the high $3499 starting price, the Vision Pro will need to prove its value through revolutionary apps and use cases to appeal beyond early adopters.
The launch of the Vision Pro sets the stage for spatial computing to expand in the coming years as Apple and other tech giants release improved hardware and software. Ultimately, the goal is to seamlessly blend digital and physical worlds for more intuitive interactions. While still early, the Vision Pro represents a milestone in making this futuristic computing paradigm a reality.