The future of the metaverse is a topic of intense debate at the moment, with various factors influencing its adoption and growth. Instagram recently pulled support for NFTs, metaverse projects are struggling to gain traction, and the potential security classification for metaverse tokens such as SAND and MANA is creating uncertainty. Additionally, Apple’s recent launch of their VisionPro with no mention of a metaverse in its WWDC conference has raised questions.
However, just because Apple didn’t explicitly mention the metaverse doesn’t mean they aren’t involved. Apple is known for perfecting their hardware and user experience before releasing products, and they may be taking a cautious approach to the metaverse in order to deliver a unique and exceptional experience.
One hint at Apple’s metaverse involvement is their launch of visionOS, a new operating system that will be used in their Vision Pro. visionOS is essentially Apple’s version of a metaverse operating system, offering interactive apps that blend augmented reality with the physical world. This suggests that Apple is entering the metaverse space in their own way, focusing on creating a seamless and immersive user experience.
Matias Lapuschin, the Web3 Marketing Director at Sensorium, a player in the metaverse space, believes that Apple’s emphasis on hardware and operating systems reflects their commitment to emerging technologies like spatial computing and the metaverse. While Apple might not be using buzzwords like “metaverse” or “AI,” their focus on providing top-notch devices and operating systems serves as a foundation for these technologies.
Apple’s mixed reality strategy, using it as a bridge to the metaverse, is seen as a strategic move by Lapuschin. By developing hardware and software ecosystems that enable immersive experiences, Apple is setting the stage for mainstream adoption of metaverse platforms.
There may be skepticism about the value and utility of Apple’s Vision Pro, but Lapuschin believes that as the device becomes more integrated into people’s lives and enables new communication avenues and applications, that skepticism will dissipate. The Vision Pro’s intuitive hand and eye-tracking technology is just one example of how Apple is enhancing the user experience and pushing metaverse developers to create more immersive realities.
Sensorium, for one, is aligning itself with Apple’s Vision Pro and sees it as an opportunity to expand their creative opportunities and user base. By leveraging Apple’s innovation, Sensorium aims to bring their immersive experiences and metaverse platform to Vision Pro users.
The potential applications of Vision Pro are vast, from generating AI-controlled DJs for home parties to engaging with virtual renditions of historical figures. It opens up new possibilities for entertainment, education, and immersive technology.
The launch of Apple’s Vision Pro and the development of visionOS are significant steps forward in the metaverse journey. By embedding spatial computing capabilities into their devices and operating system, Apple is playing a crucial role in catalyzing the transformation of the metaverse industry.
In a world where macroeconomic landscapes are in flux and regulatory frameworks for digital assets are uncertain, the metaverse’s future may be no worse off than other emerging digital sectors. The integration of generative AI could be a major catalyst for metaverse experiences in the coming years. With Apple’s size and expertise in user experience, their foray into the metaverse with visionOS could mark the beginning of an exciting new era.
Overall, Apple’s visionOS has the potential to pave the way for mainstream metaverse adoption by delivering a unique and exceptional user experience. With their focus on hardware and operating systems, Apple is positioning themselves as a leader in emerging technologies like spatial computing and the metaverse. As the metaverse continues to evolve, Apple’s involvement and innovation will play a crucial role in shaping its future.
