On Tuesday, Apple officially unveiled the Vision Pro, the company’s original take on virtual reality technology. Image credit: Apple Newsroom
On Tuesday, Apple officially unveiled the Vision Pro, the company’s original take on virtual reality technology.
They also announced that the device will be priced at $3,500 USD – more than double the price of current high-end competitors in the virtual reality market, such as the HTC Vive Pro 2.
However, the new release is distinct from other headsets on offer in a number of ways.
Firstly, it’s not dealing strictly in VR.
While other headsets have placed their focus upon fully immersive experiences, Apple has positioned the Vision Pro as a hybrid device.
While the Vision Pro does offer immersive virtual reality, the advertising is largely focused on its augmented reality capabilities; put simply, it’s kind of like an iPhone for your eyes.
Apple chief executive Tim Cook described the Vision Pro as the “first Apple product you look through, not at.”
The headset will allow you to view and utilise apps without obstructing your view of the world around you, something Apple calls “spatial computing”.
Additionally, the device won’t require handheld controllers to function, explained Alan Dye, the vice-president of human interface design at Apple.
“Apple Vision Pro relies solely on your eyes, hands and voice,” said Dye.
“You browse the system simply by looking. App icons come to life when you look at them; simply tap your fingers together to select, and gently flick to scroll.”
Most VR headsets are powered either by a wired connection to power, or by a chunky battery pack built into the headset.
Apple’s compromise is a battery pack worn in the user’s pocket, connected to the headset via a woven cable.
The battery pack supports up to two hours of use and is said to run quietly and at a comfortable temperature.
This aspect of the headset’s design has drawn scepticism from tech commentators, who have pointed out that a two-hour maximum is not long for a device advertised for use in day-to-day life.
The good news is, in addition to supporting most pre-existing iPad and iPhone apps, Apple are working with Unity to make it easier for developers to convert Unity-built games to the headset’s new operating system.
A comprehensive overview of the product and its features can be found in Apple’s Newsroom press release.
The Vision Pro is scheduled for release in early 2024.
