Apple has finally revealed its highly anticipated augmented reality (AR) headset, named the Apple Vision Pro, which allows users to merge the real world with the digital. The device has a design that resembles ski goggles, and according to CEO Tim Cook, it is the first product from the tech giant that users look through, rather than at.
The headset can be controlled using eyes, hands, and voice commands, and comes with separate battery packs. Priced at $3,499, the Apple Vision Pro will launch next year in the US, with plans to expand globally.
Although the Apple Vision Pro is primarily an AR device, it is capable of switching to full virtual reality (VR) with the turn of a dial. Users can navigate through rows of app icons in the visionOS operating system simply by looking at them, with no need for a controller.
The device also supports familiar iPhone and iPad apps, incorporates voice commands, and utilizes Bluetooth accessories. It also enables users to connect their Mac within the headset. Hand tracking is possible through downward-facing cameras, even when the hands are resting low on the body.
The Apple Vision Pro’s design features a glass front, an aluminum frame, and a modular mask and strap. The mask, known as the “Light Seal,” and the strap, known as the “Head Band,” are cloth-lined and adjustable to fit various face shapes and head sizes.
Zeiss has partnered with Apple to provide custom optical inserts for users who wear glasses. The headset includes an external battery that lasts up to two hours, offering flexibility for extended use through connection to external power sources.
With a 4K display for each eye, the Apple Vision Pro promises an unprecedented level of sharpness and video quality. The device uses the M2 chip and introduces a new chip called the R1. It incorporates an EyeSight system that displays users’ eyes and offers passthrough video, enabling the projection of 3D objects into the real world.
The headset creates a digital persona by scanning the user’s face and allows for spatial audio during remote communication. Users can also capture and relive 180-degree video with the integrated 3D camera.
The Apple Vision Pro enters the market after years of development and numerous iterations. It is regarded as a significant addition to Apple’s product lineup and has garnered praise from industry insiders. However, the headset enters a market that has yet to fully take off.
The main competitor to the Apple Vision Pro is expected to be Meta, given its success with the Quest 2 headset for gaming. The market’s response to Apple’s new venture in the AR space remains to be seen.
As the launch of Apple Vision Pro approaches, excitement builds among tech enthusiasts and industry watchers. The advanced features, intuitive controls, and high-quality display position the headset as a potential game-changer in the augmented reality landscape.
With its unique capabilities and Apple’s reputation for innovation, the Apple Vision Pro has the potential to shape the future of AR and VR experiences for users worldwide.
