Apple on Monday finally unveiled the long-awaited augmented reality (AR) headset, Apple Vision Pro, with a starting price of $3,499 at its 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Apple Vision Pro introduces a spatial computing experience that seamlessly merges digital content with the physical world while allowing users to stay “present and connected to others”, whether at home or at work.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for computing. Just as the Mac introduced us to personal computing, and iPhone introduced us to mobile computing, Apple Vision Pro introduces us to spatial computing,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
“Built upon decades of Apple innovation, Vision Pro is years ahead and unlike anything created before — with a revolutionary new input system and thousands of groundbreaking innovations. It unlocks incredible experiences for our users and exciting new opportunities for our developers.”
Features Of Apple Vision Pro
Vision Pro comes with a fully three-dimensional (3D) user interface, which you can effortlessly interact with features using eyes, hands, and voice.
Designed to be controller-free, you can control and navigate through rows of app icons simply by looking at them, tapping your fingers to select, or flicking your wrist to scroll. Voice commands are also supported.
The glass of Apple Vision Pro on the front flows seamlessly into the custom aluminum alloy frame, gently curving around the user’s face, and acts as a lens for the wide array of cameras and sensors, while a modular system of parts — including the Light Seal and Head Band — allows for a tailored fit.
A single button allows you to capture videos, while a twist of the “Digital Crown” lets you control how present or immersed you are in an environment.
Further, the AR/VR headset is powered by its own operating system, visionOS, which was designed from the ground up to support the low-latency requirements of spatial computing.
With two ultra-high-resolution displays, Apple Vision Pro can convert any space into a personal movie theater with a screen that feels 100 feet wide and an advanced Spatial Audio system. Also, Apple Immersive Video offers 180-degree high-resolution recordings with Spatial Audio.
The Vision Pro uses micro-OLED technology to pack 23 million pixels across two panels, “each the size of a postage stamp.” It is powered by an M2 chip along with support from a new chip called R1, which processes inputs from 12 different cameras, five sensors, and six different microphones. R1 streams new images to the displays within 12 milliseconds — 8x faster than the blink of an eye.
As far as privacy and security are concerned, Apple uses the brand new Optic ID iris-scanner for personal identification.
“Optic ID is a new secure authentication system that analyzes a user’s iris under various invisible LED light exposures, and then compares it to the enrolled Optic ID data that is protected by the Secure Enclave to instantly unlock Vision Pro,” says Apple.
As usual, a user’s Optic ID data is fully encrypted and not accessible to apps. It never leaves Vision Pro and is not stored on Apple servers.
According to Apple’s website, Apple Vision Pro is designed for all-day use when plugged in and can support “up to 2 hours of use” with its external, high-performance battery.
The headset also features EyeSight, which helps users stay connected with those around them. If a person is approaching someone wearing Vision Pro, the device will feel transparent and let the user see them while also displaying their eyes. Similarly, EyeSight gives visual cues to others about what the user is focused on when a user is immersed in an environment or using an app.
Another feature included in Vision Pro is Apple’s first 3D camera, which allows you to capture, relive, and immerse yourself in favorite memories with Spatial Audio.
Additionally, the headset supports Bluetooth accessories, including Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad, which allows you to bring the powerful capabilities of your Mac into Vision Pro wirelessly.
Apple Vision Pro will come with an all-new App Store where you can discover apps and content from developers and access hundreds of thousands of familiar iPhone and iPad apps.
At launch, the headset will come with Disney+ streaming service support on day one, alongside 100+ Apple Arcade titles. You can check out Apple’s website for detailed information on Vision Pro.
Apple Vision Pro is expected to debut in early 2024, starting at $3,499(U.S.), and will be available on apple.com, and at Apple Store locations in the U.S., with more countries coming later next year.
