After months – or, more accurately, years – of anticipation, Apple has finally revealed its first AR/VR headset.
Speaking from the company’s California headquarters in Cupertino, CEO Tim Cook unveiled Vision Pro, described as ‘the first computer you look through, not at’.
‘Vision Pro is a new kind of computer that augments reality by seamlessly blending the real world with the digital world,’ said Cook. ‘No longer limited by a display, your surroundings become an infinite canvas.’
The device, a sleeker version of many products on the market, is designed primarily to function in the augmented reality space, adding digital images and layers to the user’s field of vision. However, it can also switch to full virtual reality, immersing the wearer in a digital 4k video panorama.
The glass headset contains five sensors, 12 cameras and six microphones for both performance and control.
Unlike its rivals, the Vision Pro does not require additional hardware – it is controlled using the eyes, voice and hand signals.
An ultra-high-resolution display system contains 23million pixels across two displays, with custom Apple silicon dual chip design – combining the M2 with the new R1 – enabling near real-time motion.
The EyeSight function enables users to ‘connect with those around them’ by displaying the user’s eyes to people who approach them – and gives visual clues to what the user is focused on if they’re immersed in an environment or using an app.
For film and TV buffs, Vision Pro’s cinema environment offers an adjustable screen size within the room, or can entirely block out the user’s surrounds for fully immersive viewing. It also allows users to watch 3D films and shows without the need for glasses – although those who wear glasses day to day will need custom optical inserts for an as-yet-unconfirmed price.
Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, joined Mr Cook on stage for the launch.
‘We are constantly in search of new ways to entertain and inspire our fans by combining extra creativity with groundbreaking technology,’ said Mr Iger.
Disney+ will be available on Vision Pro.
Designed to work with the entire suite of Apple products, it supports accessories including Magic keyboard and Magic Trackpad, while FaceTime calls displays other users in life-sized tiles.
Gaming, where most VR headsets are currently deployed, received a relatively brief mention.
On day one of the release more than 100 Apple Arcade games will be available. However, during the keynote speech this was said to be ‘just the start of how gaming will evolve on Vision Pro’, with a statement adding ‘spatial computing makes new types of games possible with titles that can span a spectrum of immersion and bring gamers into all-new worlds’.
The cloth-lined modular system was designed after studying ‘thousands of heads’, and the removal of the battery to an external pack allows for a lighter, sleeker headset. The battery allows two hours of use when not plugged in, while the headband can be swapped for different sizes and styles.
‘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 Mr Cook.
But will the headset prove as revolutionary as its predecessors? Investors were unsure. After Apple’s share price rose 2% to a record high of $184.95 before the conference kicked off, they fell 1% as Mr Cook concluded the keynote speech.
It is also more than 18 months since the company formerly known as Facebook went all in on virtual reality, rebranding itself Meta and predicting a shift from mobile internet to the metaverse – a shift that has yet to gain traction.
However, Apple has a reputation for game-changing tech.
‘The Apple Vision Pro is a revolutionary product that is the firing pistol for a complete change in how we all are going to live, work and play,’ said Sol Rogers, global director of innovation at immersive content studio Magnopus.
‘Over time it is going to replace the Mac, iPad or iPhone, your home TV, in fact every single product, physical location or application will evolve to either be fully digital or be enhanced in new incredible delightful and impactful ways.
‘It’s going to redefine our digital and physical realities and propel us into a future where the extraordinary becomes the everyday.’
The everyday will have to wait until at least next year however. The Vision Pro is due for release in 2024, with a price tag starting at $3,499 (£2,815).
Apple’s rivals
Meta Quest 2 It’s no secret Facebook owner Meta went big on virtual reality a few years ago, going so far as to rename itself after the metaverse it hoped we’d all soon be living in – while wearing its headsets. The Meta Quest 2 is its entry-level offering, priced at £299.99. The Meta Quest 3 will be out this autumn. Buy now on Amazon
Meta Quest Pro With eye-tracking technology and a sleek look and feel, the Meta Quest Pro is aimed at professionals over enthusiasts – with a premium price tag of £999. Buy now on Amazon
Playstation VR2 Sony was an early adopter of VT headsets, releasing the PlayStation VR seven years ago. Its latest iteration, only compatible with the PlayStation 5, was released in February and is priced at £529.99. Buy now on Amazon
Playstation VR The original Sony headset, compatible with the PlayStation 4
HP Reverb G2 HP’s second-generation Reverb VR headset, the G2 is a reasonably-priced consumer offering compatible with SteamVR and Windows Mixed Reality. Priced at £623.99. Buy now on Amazon
HTC Vive Pro 2 Offering one of the highest resolutions in the business, the Vive Pro 2 is ideal for gamers – but still doesn’t come with a base station or controllers. It is also one edging towards the more expensive end of the scale at an RRP of £779 – but is currently on sale for £679
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