In a recent all-hands meeting at Meta Platforms, CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed his thoughts on Apple’s entry into the XR space with their high-priced immersive headset, the Vision Pro. While Zuckerberg initially mentioned his curiosity about what Apple would deliver, he highlighted that their vision of spatial computing and the future of XR differs from his own.
Zuckerberg pointed out the differences in product values showcased by Apple during WWDC, stating that Meta Platforms focuses on making their products accessible and affordable for everyone. He emphasized that Meta Platforms has sold tens of millions of Quests and believes in innovation that enhances accessibility.
Furthermore, Zuckerberg explained that Meta’s vision for the metaverse and presence is fundamentally social. He emphasized that XR is about creating new ways for people to interact and feel closer. In contrast, he observed that Apple’s demos primarily showed individuals sitting alone on a couch.
The CEO acknowledged the philosophical differences between the two companies’ approaches and expressed his excitement and optimism about the path Meta Platforms is taking. Despite his comments, Zuckerberg admitted that he has not personally experienced the Vision Pro yet and looks forward to learning more as they explore its capabilities and observe how people use it.
Zuckerberg also commented on some aspects of Apple’s upcoming device, noting that the Vision Pro’s higher resolution display and the technology required to power it significantly increases its cost and energy consumption. He mentioned Apple’s design trade-off of requiring a battery and attached wire to use the device, emphasizing that Meta Platforms has taken a different approach.
Overall, Meta Platforms does not seem overly concerned about Apple’s Vision Pro. The company has gears in motion, as showcased by the launch of the Quest 3 before WWDC and plans for further announcements in September 2023. The meeting with Meta employees indicates that the company is actively preparing for the future of XR and its place in the metaverse.
