Apple has recently launched its highly anticipated augmented reality (AR) headset called Apple Vision Pro. The device is designed to blend the real world with digital imagery, and CEO Tim Cook indicated it is the first Apple product users look through, rather than at. The upcoming headset features separate battery packs and can be controlled using eyes, hands, and voice commands. Its price is set at $3,499, and it will launch early next year, starting in the US before expanding globally.
The Apple Vision Pro is primarily an AR device, but it can switch to full virtual reality (VR) with the flip of a switch. The controller-free product allows users to navigate through rows of app icons in the visionOS operating system just by looking at them. The headset supports familiar iPhone and iPad apps and incorporates voice commands. Additionally, it supports Bluetooth accessories and enables users to connect their Macs for use within the headset. Users’ hands can be tracked through downward-facing cameras, even when their hands are resting low on the body.
When it comes to design, optics, and immersive features, the headset’s design consists of a glass front, an aluminum frame, and a modular mask and strap. The mask, called 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 features an external battery that lasts up to two hours, providing flexibility for extended use through connection to external power sources.
The Apple Vision Pro boasts a 4K display for each eye, promising an unprecedented level of sharpness and video quality. The device uses the M2 chip and introduces a new chip called the R1 and 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 announcement of Apple Vision Pro comes after years of development and numerous iterations. It is considered a significant addition to Apple’s product lineup and has received critical acclaim from industry creators. However, the headset enters a market that has yet to take off entirely. Meta, which has found success with the Quest 2 headset for gaming, is expected to be a primary competitor. The market’s response to Apple’s venture into the AR space remains to be seen.
Apple’s innovation and reputation for creating unique technology give the Apple Vision Pro the potential to shape the future of AR and VR experiences worldwide. As the launch of the headset approaches, enthusiasts and tech-enthusiasts alike are growing increasingly excited about compatibility issues and display problems. With its high-quality display, intuitive controls, and advanced features, the Apple Vision Pro has the potential to be a game-changer in the AR landscape.
