Apple has unveiled its much-hyped mixed-reality headset — the Vision Pro.
During the WWDC 2023 keynote on Monday, 5 May 2023, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the device, which has spent years in development, was a “revolutionary” device representing Apple’s entry into “spatial computing”.
Regarding functionality, the Vision Pro seems to be a supercharged version of existing mixed reality technology, featuring augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) modes.
Apple called it the world’s most advanced personal electronics device, with over 5,000 patents filed during its development.
The Vision Pro runs on Apple’s custom-built operating system called VisionOS.
The headset supports first-party apps like Safari, iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Music, Apple TV, Keynote, and numerous third-party apps.
It also boasts integration and syncing with other Apple software — like iOS and MacOS — and the devices they run on.
For example, Mac users can control their computers from within the Vision Pro.
The company showed that users can navigate the interface with their eyes, hand gestures, and voice.
For video conferencing, Apple developed a system that can create a computer-generated likeness of the user without their headset.
One of its standout features is EyeSight, which lets other people see Vision Pro users’ eyes while navigating through the interface.
Visual queues on the device’s visor will tell other parties whether the user’s view is wholly or partially obstructed, so they know if they can see them.
Apple also emphasized the Vision Pro’s support for spatial video and photos, which it said makes viewing this media immersive and 3D-like.
Although users can consume content, they can also take pictures or record videos with a dedicated button above one of the lenses.
This activates Apple’s first-ever 3D camera, which can capture spatial videos and photos to let users relive memories from a first-person view.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Vision Pro will sell for $3,499 in the US when it launches in early 2024.
Apple justified the price by saying it was effectively a premium large-screen TV, high-end camera, powerful computer, and world-class sound system packed into one package.
At launch, the Vision Pro will support hundreds of thousands of existing iPhone and iPad apps. The Vision Pro supports the Unity game engine to bring 3D apps developed using Unity to the platform.