ALBAWABA - Apple has announced that its Vision Pro headset will be available for purchase in Apple Stores in the U.S. starting on February 2, 2024. Pre-orders for the device will begin on January 19, 2024, for $3,499. This announcement has generated excitement, even though Apple is not attending the CES conference, which is taking place from January 9 to 12.
The Vision Pro headset, although not explicitly referred to as a VR headset by Apple, is described as a "revolutionary spatial computer" that allows users to remain aware of their physical surroundings while wearing it. Apple CEO Tim Cook mentioned at the WWDC event in June 2023 that the Vision Pro marks the start of a new era for computing.
Macworld's Roman Loyola had the opportunity to try out the Vision Pro and described the experience as captivating. Apple initially stated at the WWDC event that the headset would be available "early next year," and its arrival in January 2024 is slightly earlier than anticipated.
Vision Pro. (Shutterstock)
Initially, the Vision Pro will only be available in the U.S., with other countries expected to receive it later in the year. In July 2023, it was suggested that the U.K. and Canada might see the launch before the end of 2024, while Asia and other parts of Europe would have to wait a bit longer.
The starting price for the Vision Pro is $3,499, and while Apple has not confirmed the price outside the U.S., it is likely to be around £3,499 in the U.K. Additionally, there will be an extra cost for any prescription lenses needed, with Zeiss Optical Inserts (Readers) priced at $99 and ZEISS Optical Inserts (Prescription) priced at $149, according to Apple.
Certainly! The Apple Vision Pro headset offers two band options for comfort: the Solo Knit Band and the Dual Loop Band. We don't know if there will be any other accessories besides an external battery pack.
The Apple Vision Pro headset includes a feature called Optic ID that recognizes the user's iris for device unlocking, password authentication, and purchases. The device stores data securely on a dedicated Secure Enclave processor, similar to iPhones and Macs.
Another interesting feature is EyeSight, which projects the correct perspective of the user's eyes to those looking at them. EyeSight also includes a visual indicator to let others know when the user is capturing a spatial photo or video.
The Vision Pro comes with an external battery pack that provides up to two hours of use and can be used while plugged in.
In terms of software and apps, users can watch movies, listen to music, browse photos, view 3D objects, and collaborate on presentations with the Vision Pro headset. The interface and input system are three-dimensional and can be controlled using eye movements, hand gestures, and voice commands. Users can interact with apps by looking at them, tapping their fingers for selection, or flicking their wrist to scroll. Virtual keyboard input and voice dictation are also available, and Siri can be used to control the device.
The Vision Pro runs on visionOS, a custom operating system designed by Apple specifically for visual computing. Apple has made the visionOS software development kit (SDK) available to developers, and they can access developer labs for hands-on experience and support from Apple engineers.
There will be an App Store where users can download familiar iPhone and iPad apps as well as new apps designed specifically for the Vision Pro. Microsoft Office Apps, third-party video conferencing apps, Adobe Lightroom, and a SkyGuide app were mentioned as examples of available apps. The Vision Pro supports multitasking, allowing users to view apps side by side.
Vision Pro. (Shutterstock)
To buy the Vision Pro, you can pre-order it from Apple's website starting on January 19 at 5 am PT, and it will be available for purchase in Apple Stores in the United States from February 2. As for a cheaper version, there are hints that Apple might release one in 2025, with lower-quality screens, a different chip, and fewer cameras. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman mentioned this possibility. Apple is also reportedly working on a sequel to the Vision Pro that will be more affordable.
In terms of design, the Vision Pro is made with wearable materials. The frame is a custom aluminum alloy that fits comfortably around the user's face, and the headset can be tailored to each individual. The Light Seal is made of a soft textile and comes in different sizes and shapes for a precise fit. Adjustable straps ensure a secure position near the ears, and the cushioned headband is available in multiple sizes and styles.
According to Apple's January 2023 press release, each Apple Vision Pro headset comes with two Light Seal cushions and will be available in various shapes and sizes. The box includes a cover for the front of the device, a battery, a USB-C charging cable and power adapter, and Apple's polishing cloth.
For those who wear glasses, custom optical inserts called ZEISS Optical Inserts are available separately. These inserts can be magnetically attached to the headset's lenses to correct vision. The price of the headset does not include these additional lenses, so there is an extra cost associated with them. When purchasing the Vision Pro, customers will need to provide a prescription from their optometrist. It's unclear how this will work when buying from an Apple Store, but it's possible that customers will need to submit their prescription at the retail store.
In terms of compatibility, Apple has not provided specific information about which iPhone models will be compatible with the Vision Pro. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the iPhone 15 may feature an upgraded Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip specifically for the Vision Pro, indicating that other iPhone models may not support the headset.
In terms of specifications and features, the Vision Pro is said to deliver exceptional computing performance. It is powered by an M2 processor and a new R1 chip that processes input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones. The headset is designed to eliminate lag and deliver images at a speed eight times faster than the blink of an eye. The displays offer ultra-high resolution, producing a 4K display for each eye and creating a wide virtual display. The audio system includes individually amplified drivers in each earpiece for personalized spatial audio, and the headset uses advanced eye-tracking technology to control the interface based on the user's gaze. There are no external accessories included, apart from controllers for gaming.
The Apple Vision Pro headset includes a feature called Optic ID that recognizes the user's iris for device unlocking, password authentication, and purchases. The device stores data securely on a dedicated Secure Enclave processor, similar to iPhones and Macs.
Another interesting feature is EyeSight, which projects the correct perspective of the user's eyes to those looking at them. EyeSight also includes a visual indicator to let others know when the user is capturing a spatial photo or video.
The Vision Pro comes with an external battery pack that provides up to two hours of use and can be used while plugged in.
In terms of software and apps, users can watch movies, listen to music, browse photos, view 3D objects, and collaborate on presentations with the Vision Pro headset. The interface and input system are three-dimensional and can be controlled using eye movements, hand gestures, and voice commands. Users can interact with apps by looking at them, tapping fingers for selection, or flicking the wrist to scroll. Virtual keyboard input and voice dictation are also available, and Siri can be used to control the device.
The Vision Pro runs on visionOS, a custom operating system designed by Apple specifically for visual computing. Apple has made the visionOS software development kit (SDK) available to developers, and they can access developer labs for hands-on experience and support from Apple engineers.
There will be an App Store where users can download familiar iPhone and iPad apps as well as new apps designed specifically for the Vision Pro. Microsoft Office Apps, third-party video conferencing apps, Adobe Lightroom, and a SkyGuide app were mentioned as examples of available apps. The Vision Pro supports multitasking, allowing users to view apps side by side.
The Vision Pro introduces cutting-edge technology, including the revolutionary Optic ID method that recognizes the user's iris for unlocking the device and authenticating passwords and purchases. Similar to the iPhone and Mac, all data is securely stored on a dedicated Secure Enclave processor, ensuring robust privacy.
A standout feature, EyeSight, projects the correct perspective of the user's eyes to onlookers, with a visual indicator making it clear when the user is capturing spatial photos or videos.
Battery Life and Essential Features:
Apple boasts that the Vision Pro's external battery pack offers up to two hours of use and can be utilized while plugged in. The device is equipped with EyeSight, a unique feature that projects the correct perspective of the user's eyes to those around them, along with a visual indicator to signal when the user is capturing spatial photos or videos.
Vision Pro's Software Capabilities:
The Vision Pro headset opens up a world of possibilities with its software and apps. Users can watch movies, listen to music, browse photos, view 3D objects, and collaborate on presentations. The three-dimensional interface and input system are controlled with eyes, hands, and voice, allowing users to interact with apps through gaze, taps, finger gestures, or wrist flicks. Additionally, a virtual keyboard and dictation feature enhance the user experience, with Siri serving as a voice-controlled assistant.
Running on visionOS, a specialized operating system for visual computing, the Vision Pro offers a unique software development kit. Apple has opened developer labs globally, providing hands-on experience and support. The App Store for Vision Pro offers familiar iPhone and iPad apps, as well as new apps designed specifically for the device. Microsoft Office Apps, third-party video conferencing apps, and Adobe Lightroom are among the apps available at launch. The press release emphasizes that more than a million existing apps across iOS and iPadOS are compatible with Vision Pro, showcasing its seamless integration with established developer frameworks.
Multitasking and Interface:
Users can view apps side by side, facilitating multitasking and enhancing productivity on the Vision Pro platform.
According to Apple, the Vision Pro introduces a new era in gaming, enabling users to play over 100 Apple Arcade games on a customizable large screen with support for popular game controllers.
At launch, Vision Pro will feature well-known Apple apps like Safari, Messages, and FaceTime. The device promises an immersive experience, supporting video conferencing through FaceTime with life-sized tiles and Spatial Audio, providing a realistic directionality of participants' voices.
Novel Features for Enhanced Communication:
Apple introduces a unique solution for masked individuals participating in video calls. The 'Persona' feature, generated using advanced machine learning, offers a digital representation of the user, mirroring real-time face and hand movements.
Entertainment Showcase:
Apple highlights entertainment with Vision Pro's Cinema Environment, promising an immersive experience for movies and TV shows, including support for 3D movies like Avatar: Way of the Water. More than 150 3D titles will be available in the Apple TV app, featuring content from Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, and other services. Disney CEO Bob Iger joined Apple in June 2023 to demonstrate the technology, showcasing special movie presentations, court-side views, and interactive experiences.
Vision Pro also introduces Apple Immersive Video, providing 180-degree, three-dimensional 8K recordings captured with Spatial Audio, putting users inside the action.
Vision Pro. (Shutterstock)
Audio Innovations:
The September 2023 update to AirPods Pro with a USB-C case adds support for lossless audio when used with an Apple Vision Pro headset, enhancing the overall audio experience.
Photos and Videos in Unprecedented Detail:
Vision Pro promises unparalleled visual experiences, delivering more pixels to each eye than a 4K TV. Users can capture spatial photos and videos in 3D, providing an immersive experience with Spatial Audio. Additionally, Vision Pro allows users to view traditional 2D photos and videos, enhancing the presentation of content such as Panorama photos shot on an iPhone, which expand and wrap around the user for a unique viewing experience.
Camera Enhancements:
With the release of iOS 17.2, a groundbreaking feature has been introduced in the Camera settings—users now have the ability to record spatial vision tailored for the Vision Pro. This innovative option allows users to capture spatial videos on their iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max and seamlessly play them back on the Vision Pro headset.
Users can also indulge in an immersive experience by viewing their photos, including panoramas, and videos at life-size, ensuring a truly captivating visual encounter.
Expansive Gaming Experience:
iOS 17.2 extends the gaming capabilities of the Vision Pro, allowing users to play any game available on the App Store, with a collection of 250 titles from Apple Arcade included. This encompasses popular games like Sonic Dream Team. The update also introduces new spatial games such as Game Room, What the Golf?, and Super Fruit Ninja.
In an exciting development, Apple has confirmed Vision Pro's support for "popular game controllers," enhancing the gaming experience for users and broadening the range of compatible gaming accessories. This marks a significant step forward in making the Vision Pro a versatile platform for an immersive and interactive gaming experience.
