Apple has officially announced its first augmented reality headset called the Vision Pro, a breakthrough device that blends digital content with the real world. Pre-orders for the Vision Pro began on January 19, 2024, and it will be available for purchase starting February 2nd.
Apple Vision Pro Release Date
After years of rumours and speculation, Apple finally unveiled full details on the Vision Pro at a launch event on June 5, 2023. Pre-orders opened worldwide on January 19, 2024, with the device hitting stores on February 2, 2024.
Apple Vision Pro Operating System and User Interface
The Vision Pro runs on visionOS, Apple’s new spatial computing operating system. The user interface is designed specifically for augmented reality, allowing users to interact with digital content in a natural way using eye tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands. Users can browse apps by looking at them, select by tapping their fingers, scroll by flicking their wrists, and dictate text commands. The device also features EyeSight, which helps users stay connected with those around them, and Optic ID, a new authentication system that analyzes a user’s iris to unlock the device, autofill passwords, and complete payments with Apple Pay.
How the Apple Vision Pro Works
The Vision Pro uses cutting-edge display technology that packs nearly 25 million pixels into two micro-OLED displays, one for each eye. This provides stunning visuals that seamlessly blend digital elements into the real world. The headset also features precise tracking sensors that map the environment in real time. Audio is delivered via built-in spatial audio for immersive sound.
Key Features of the Apple Vision Pro
- Ultra-high resolution displays with stunning visuals
- Spatial audio for immersive sound
- Eye tracking and hand gesture controls
- Access to augmented reality apps and games
- Seamless integration with iPhone, iPad and Mac
- All-day battery life
New Gaming Experience
Players can access games on the App Store, including more than 250 titles on Apple Arcade. Hit games like NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition and Sonic Dream Team can be played on a screen as large as they want with incredible audio and support for popular game controllers. New spatial games, including Game Room, What the Golf?, and Super Fruit Ninja, take advantage of the powerful capabilities of Apple Vision Pro to transform the space around players, offering unique and engaging gameplay experiences.
Memories Brought to Life
Apple Vision Pro enables users to capture and relive their favourite memories in entirely new ways. Spatial photos and videos transport users back to a special moment in time, and Spatial Audio makes the experience incredibly immersive. When users are on the go, they can capture spatial video on their iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max and relive them on Vision Pro. Users can also view all their photos and videos at a life-size scale with brilliant colour and spectacular detail, including Panoramas that expand and wrap around the user, making them feel like they are right where it was taken.
Apps and Content for the Apple Vision Pro
The Vision Pro will have access to over 1 million apps on the App Store, including both iOS apps and new AR-focused apps built specifically for the headset. Some highlights include Messenger, Virtual Meeting Apps, 3D Modeling Apps, Immersive Games, Shopping Apps, and more. Popular services like Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade will also be available. Additionally, the device will support popular apps such as Safari, Photos, Music, Messages, and the iWork suite, including Keynote, with the potential for more apps to be available at launch or shortly after.
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Connectivity and Pairing with Other Devices
The Vision Pro is a standalone headset that does not require a paired iPhone or other device to function. However, it can pair with iPhones, iPads and Macs via wireless connectivity. This allows users to view notifications, transfer files, and use some of the processing power of their other Apple devices. The Vision Pro can also serve as a secondary display for a Mac.
Battery Life of Vision Pro
Apple claims the Vision Pro will offer up to 2.5 hours of video playback or general use on a single charge. The included external battery pack provides up to 2 additional hours of use for a total of 4.5 hours before needing to be recharged.
Design and Ergonomics
The Vision Pro features an innovative design with curved glass and a lightweight aluminium frame meant to contour to the face for comfort. The materials and weight distribution make the 294-gram headset comfortable for extended wear. It comes with adjustable straps and nose pads for a customized fit.
Apple Vision Pro User Experience
With the Vision Pro’s ultra-high resolution displays and spatial audio paired with intuitive hand and eye tracking controls, users report feeling deeply immersed in apps, games, and media. Apple Vision Pro features ultra-high-resolution displays that deliver more pixels than a 4K TV for each eye, enabling users to watch movies and TV shows from Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, and other services on a screen that feels 100 feet wide with support for HDR content. Within the Apple TV app, users can access more than 150 3D titles with incredible depth wherever they are. Vision Pro also introduces Apple Immersive Video, a remarkable new entertainment format pioneered by Apple that puts users inside the action with 180-degree, three-dimensional 8K recordings captured with Spatial Audio. Users can also enjoy new interactive experiences like Encounter Dinosaurs.
Privacy and Security
Apple has built privacy and security into the core of the Vision Pro. The device is built on the foundation of existing Apple privacy and security features, and it introduces a new authentication system called Optic ID, which analyzes a user’s iris to unlock the device, autofill passwords, and complete payments with Apple Pay. Data from sensors is processed on the device itself, and no eye tracking or camera data is shared with third parties without explicit consent. Apple’s new Optic ID iris recognition technology provides secure authentication and payments.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Vision Pro is available in the US for $3,499 USD for the base 256GB model. In India, the Apple Vision Pro VR Headset price starts from ₹2,88,700. Additional accessories like prescription lens inserts are sold separately. The headset is available for order now on Apple.com and will arrive at Apple retail stores on February 2nd.
With its innovative technology and design paired with Apple’s trademark focus on privacy, the Vision Pro promises to push augmented reality into the mainstream. This exciting new product category for Apple kicks off the next generation of smart wearables.