At WWDC 2023, Apple finally unveiled its long-anticipated virtual reality (VR) product, Apple Vision Pro. This augmented reality (AR) headset is a significant departure for the company, representing its most ambitious venture in recent years. The headset features straps and offers a fully immersive 3D interface without the need for controllers. It boasts a range of functionalities, including capturing photos and videos, watching movies, and more.

Apple Vision Pro headset will cost $3,499 and would be out early next year (2024).

CEO Tim Cook described the device as “spatial computing” and highlighted its control through eye movements, hand gestures, and voice commands, stating, “It’s not just a device you look at; it’s a device you look through.”

One of the key features of Apple Vision Pro is its ability to control apps in the space around the user, casting shadows on the real world. The device relies on the user’s eyes, hands, and voice for control, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience. It comes pre-loaded with various apps such as Apple TV, Photos, Mail, Messages, Music, Freeform, and Safari. Additionally, it has its own dedicated App Store, allowing users to access a wide range of compatible applications.

To ensure a seamless experience, Apple developed a technology called EyeSight, which allows the device to display the user’s eyes on its screen. This feature helps users maintain a sense of connection while using the headset. The Vision Pro can also display people who are nearby, enhancing social interaction during AR experiences.

Not Just For Show

Apple emphasises that Vision Pro is not limited to entertainment but can also be used for work. It seamlessly synchronises with the user’s iPhone and iPad, enabling functions such as browsing web pages with Safari and multitasking with multiple windows on a large, immersive desktop. The device also offers integration with Apple’s messaging platform, allowing users to view 3D objects in Messages while simultaneously engaging with the real world.

The headset comes with a virtual Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad, providing a familiar input experience for Mac users. It can even wirelessly connect to a Mac, offering a private 4K display and the ability to run other apps alongside it. Vision Pro supports collaboration on documents and features spatial FaceTime, enabling users to engage in video calls with an augmented reality overlay.

In terms of media capabilities, Apple Vision Pro allows users to view panoramas in life-size, as captured by an iPhone, and capture 3D photos using its built-in camera. The device also supports Spatial Audio, enhancing the immersive experience when watching movies or playing games. Speaking of gaming, while Vision Pro supports gaming with a screen, it currently does not offer immersive VR games.

Challenges and Doubt

The development of Apple VR has faced its fair share of challenges, including reports of uncertainty regarding its direction and manufacturing difficulties. Questions about the device’s “killer app” and the potential mass market appeal of VR have also been raised. However, the unveiling of Apple Vision Pro showcases the company’s engineering prowess and positions it as a premium product in the VR market.

Considering the likely high price of Vision Pro, there is anticipated competition between Apple’s offering and the more affordable Meta Quest 3, which was recently revealed. It remains to be seen whether VR can achieve mass market appeal beyond the hardcore gaming niche. Nevertheless, Apple’s confident reveal demonstrates its commitment to the VR market, even as doubts persist about the future of VR and the metaverse concept.