Announced at WWDC 2023, Apple Vision Pro is the company’s first spatial computer. Here’s everything you need to know about Apple’s headset: its price, features, and the new operating system, visionOS. Unveiled during WWDC 2023, Apple Vision Pro marks the company’s inaugural spatial computer. Get the lowdown on Apple’s new headset, including its cost, capabilities, and the fresh visionOS operating system.
When will Apple release Vision Pro?
Apple Vision Pro was released on February 2nd in the US. It’s available online and at physical stores. Pre-orders started on January 19 at 5 a.m. PST. The Apple Vision Pro launched in the US on February 2nd, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Customers were able to place pre-orders starting on January 19 at 5 a.m. PST.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple wants to release Vision Pro outside the US before WWDC 2024. Although the global expansion might take longer, it’s possible that countries like Canada, the UK, and Germany get the spatial computer in the coming months. It all depends on US demand, Apple’s capacity to produce more units, and the sales process at physical Apple Stores. Apple also says it expects to launch this product in more countries later this year.
Apple is aiming to launch the Vision Pro outside the US before WWDC 2024, as per analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. While the global expansion may be a lengthy process, there is a chance that countries such as Canada, the UK, and Germany will receive the spatial computer in the near future. This will largely depend on the demand in the US, Apple’s manufacturing capacity, and the sales process at physical Apple Stores. Furthermore, Apple has indicated that it anticipates introducing this product in more countries later in the year.
Can international customers buy Vision Pro?
They can, but they shouldn’t. Apple says this spatial computer only works with a US ID with a region set to the US. Here’s what Apple tells us: They have the capability to do so, but it is not advisable. According to Apple, this spatial computer is designed to function exclusively with a US ID that is set to the US region. Here is the information provided by Apple:
- It only supports English (U.S.) for language and typing and English for Siri and Dictation.
- App Store requires an Apple ID with a region set to the U.S.
- Purchases on Apple Music and TV app require an Apple ID with the region set to the U.S.
- For customers with vision correction needs, ZEISS will only accept vision prescriptions written by U.S. eye care professionals and will only ship to U.S. locations.
- Customers may not be able to access certain apps, features, or content due to licensing or other restrictions in those countries or regions.
- Apple Support is only available in the U.S. They have the ability to do so, but it is not advisable. Apple states that this spatial computer is only compatible with a US identification that has the region set to the US. Here is the information provided by Apple:
It exclusively supports English (U.S.) for language and typing, and English for Siri and Dictation. - The App Store requires an Apple ID with the region set to the U.S.
- Purchases on Apple Music and the TV app necessitate an Apple ID with the region set to the U.S.
For customers with vision correction needs, ZEISS will only accept vision prescriptions from U.S. eye care professionals and will ship exclusively to U.S. locations.
Customers may not have access to specific apps, features, or content due to licensing or restrictions in certain countries or regions. - Apple Support is solely accessible in the U.S.
How much does it cost?
Apple Vision Pro has a starting price of $3,499 with 256GB of storage and the M2 chip. Here are the other price points: The initial cost for the Apple Vision Pro is $3,499 and it comes with 256GB of storage and the M2 chip. Additionally, there are other price options available.
512GB: $3,699
1TB: $3,899
Apple has also partnered with Zeiss to offer prescription lenses to users. There will be Readers and Prescription options for $99 and $149, respectively. Apple has joined forces with Zeiss to provide users with the option of getting prescription lenses. Users will have the choice between Readers for $99 and Prescription for $149.
A fully loaded Vision Pro will cost you around $5,000.
Design of Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro has a premium look by adding an aluminum frame and a high-end mesh for the head, close to what the AirPods Max offers. The design goal of Vision Pro is not to be isolated but to interact with others. The EyeSight shows your eyes and expressions through the outer display. The Apple Vision Pro has a sleek appearance with the inclusion of an aluminum frame and a high-quality mesh for the head, similar to the features offered by the AirPods Max. The design objective of the Vision Pro is to foster interaction with others rather than isolation. The EyeSight feature displays your eyes and facial expressions on the outer screen.
Unlike other headsets, the enclosure is made of a singular piece of three-dimensional laminated glass that flows into an aluminum alloy frame that curves to wrap around the user’s face. The Light Seal flexes to conform to the user’s face, delivering a precise fit while blocking out stray light. In contrast to the way other headsets are designed, this one features a seamless three-dimensional laminated glass enclosure that seamlessly transitions into an aluminum alloy frame, which curves to encircle the user’s face. The Light Seal adjusts to fit the user’s face, ensuring a perfect fit and blocking out any excess light.
The Headband provides cushioning, breathability, and stretch. The Fit Dial lets users adjust Apple Vision Pro precisely to their head.
The device has two 4K micro OLED displays with 23 million pixels combined with over a dozen cameras, and it features a Digital Crown that the users can spin to switch between VR and AR modes. The Headband offers comfort, air circulation, and flexibility. The Fit Dial allows users to fine-tune Apple Vision Pro to fit their head exactly.
This gadget comes with two 4K micro OLED displays with a total of 23 million pixels, along with more than twelve cameras. It also includes a Digital Crown that users can rotate to switch between VR and AR modes.
Processor, sensors, and cameras of Apple Vision Pro
Apple’s spatial computer uses the company M2 processor, which Apple says “simultaneously runs visionOS, executes advanced computer vision algorithms, and delivers stunning graphics, all with incredible efficiency,” while the new R1 chip is specifically dedicated to processing input from the cameras, sensor, and microphones, streaming images to the displays within 12 milliseconds for a virtually lag-free, real-time view of the world. The spatial computer from Apple is powered by the M2 processor, which is capable of running visionOS and advanced computer vision algorithms, as well as providing impressive graphics with great efficiency. Additionally, the new R1 chip is designed specifically to handle input from cameras, sensors, and microphones, streaming images to the displays in just 12 milliseconds for a nearly lag-free, real-time view of the world. Apple’s spatial computer utilizes the M2 processor, which Apple claims can execute visionOS and advanced computer vision algorithms, and produce stunning graphics with exceptional efficiency. The new R1 chip is dedicated to processing input from cameras, sensors, and microphones, streaming images to displays within 12 milliseconds for a nearly lag-free, real-time view of the world.
Apple Vision Pro includes 12 cameras and five sensors that are responsible for monitoring hand gestures, mapping the external environment, and recording spatial videos or taking photos. The Apple Vision Pro features a total of 12 cameras and five sensors, which are designed to track hand movements, create a map of the surrounding environment, and capture spatial videos and images. Apple’s Vision Pro comes with 12 cameras and five sensors that track hand gestures, map the surrounding area, and take spatial videos and photos.
Apple says two cameras transmit real-world images using AR mode, while the others work for head and hand tracking and real-time 3D mapping. The company even added infrared flood illuminators to help hand tracking in low-light conditions. Like iPhones and iPads, Apple also included LiDAR depth sensors as well. Apple stated that two cameras are used to capture real-life images in AR mode, while the rest are dedicated to head and hand tracking as well as live 3D mapping. Additionally, the company has incorporated infrared flood illuminators to improve hand tracking in low-light situations. Like in iPhones and iPads, Apple has also integrated LiDAR depth sensors. Apple has announced that two cameras are utilized for transmitting real-world images in AR mode, with the other cameras focused on head and hand tracking and real-time 3D mapping. The company has also included infrared flood illuminators to assist with hand tracking in low-light conditions. Similar to iPhones and iPads, Apple has also included LiDAR depth sensors.
visionOS and features
Since this is the first time Apple has announced a new operating system in years, many of its features are part of the foundation of visionOS, the system that powers this spatial computer, such as: As Apple has not released a new operating system in years, many of the features in this new announcement are integral to the visionOS foundation. This system powers the spatial computer and includes many of the same elements.
- Optic ID: Apple unveiled a new unlocking method with Vision Pro. Optic ID scans your iris, which Apple says is even more accurate and mistake-proof than Face ID. IPhones with Face ID sensors can sometimes be unlocked if the user has an identical twin. Apple has introduced a new way to unlock with Vision Pro. Optic ID scans your iris, which Apple claims is more precise and error-resistant than Face ID. iPhones with Face ID sensors may be unlocked mistakenly if the user has a twin who looks identical.
- Cinema Environment: Enjoy shows and movies at the frame rate and aspect ratio the filmmaker intended with immersive Spatial Audio. It’s possible to create a screen that feels 100 feet wide to watch Apple TV Plus, other streaming services, or even play 100 Apple Arcade games. Immerse yourself in the filmmaker’s intended frame rate and aspect ratio while enjoying shows and movies with Spatial Audio. Experience a screen that provides a 100-foot wide viewing experience for Apple TV Plus, various streaming services, and over 100 Apple Arcade games.
- FaceTime video: Calls are life-size, and as new people join, the call simply expands in your room with visionOS. Within FaceTime, you can use apps to collaborate with colleagues on the same documents simultaneously. When you’re talking, there will be a Persona in your place. As more individuals join, the life-sized calls with visionOS continue to fill your space. FaceTime allows for the use of apps for real-time collaboration on shared documents with colleagues. While speaking, a virtual persona will represent you.
- Accessibility: Apple Vision Pro will offer accessibility features similar to what it already brings with Apple Watch and other devices with Pointer Control, Dwell Control, Guided Access, and VoiceOver. Apple Vision Pro will provide accessibility capabilities similar to those it already offers with Apple Watch and other devices, including Pointer Control, Dwell Control, Guided Access, and VoiceOver.
- Gestures: There are six different gestures to control the spatial computer device. Users can tap, double tap, pinch and hold, pinch and drag, zoom, and rotate. The last two gestures require two hands. You can also select items by looking at them or asking Siri.
The spatial computer device can be controlled using six distinct gestures. These include tapping, double tapping, pinch and hold, pinch and drag, zooming, and rotating. The last two gestures necessitate the use of both hands. Additionally, users have the option to select items by either looking at them or by asking Siri. BGR has a complete guide about visionOS, including how to test the beta, release date, and more. Once users get this device, they will download visionOS 1.0.2 The spatial computer device can be managed using six unique movements. These consist of tapping, double tapping, pinch and hold, pinch and drag, zooming, and rotating. The final two movements require using both hands. In addition, users can choose to select items by either gazing at them or by requesting assistance from Siri. BGR offers a comprehensive manual for visionOS, which covers beta testing, release date, and other details. Upon acquiring this device, users will install visionOS 1.0.2.
Battery
Apple Vision Pro doesn’t have a built-in battery. Not only do you have to wear the external battery at all times, but it was discovered that it has a hidden plug that reveals a Lightning port. Apple claims this essential accessory can least for up to 2.5 hours, but some reviewers were able to get something between two to four hours with this device on.
You can also buy an additional battery pack for $199. This device can be used while charging the battery as well. The Apple Vision Pro does not come with a built-in battery. In addition to wearing an external battery at all times, it has been found that there is a concealed plug that exposes a Lightning port. Apple states that this necessary add-on can last for up to 2.5 hours, but some critics were able to achieve a runtime of between two to four hours with this gadget on.
For an extra $199, you have the option to purchase another battery pack. This device is capable of being used while the battery is being charged.
Hands-on
Before the release of Apple Vision Pro, a few journalists had the chance to, once again, do a hands-on with Apple’s spatial computer.
The Verge’s Victoria Song talked about how similar the Apple Vision Pro felt to her, even though it was her first time trying this device:
“But my half-hour with it revealed that Apple’s headset felt more familiar than I thought it would. The iPhone face scan to select the correct light seal is very similar to setting up Face ID. Slipping it onto your head isn’t that different from any number of other VR headsets.”
Interestingly, Engadget’s Cherlynn Low talked about how she needed to switch straps due to some discomfort. Unlike Victoria, Low needed the strap that crossed her head for more comfort. Prior to the launch of Apple Vision Pro, a small group of journalists were given the opportunity to once again test out Apple’s spatial computer.
Victoria Song from The Verge shared her thoughts on the familiarity of the Apple Vision Pro, even though it was her first time using the device: “However, after spending thirty minutes with it, I found that the Apple headset seemed surprisingly familiar. The process of scanning the face with the iPhone to select the correct light seal felt very similar to setting up Face ID. Putting it on my head wasn’t much different from other VR headsets I’ve tried.”
Interestingly, Cherlynn Low from Engadget mentioned that she had to switch straps because of some discomfort. Unlike Victoria, Low found that she needed the head crossing strap for added comfort.
The Vision Pro unit I tried on today came with a strap that you stretch and ends up at the back of your head. It was wide, ridged, and soft, and I at first thought it would be very comfortable. But 15 minutes into my experience, I started to feel weighed down by the device, and five more minutes later, I was in pain. To be fair, I should have flagged my discomfort to Apple earlier, and alternative straps were available for me to swap out. But I wanted to avoid wasting time. When I finally told the company’s staff about my issues, they changed the strap to one that had two loops, with one that went over the top of my head.
Today, I wore the Vision Pro unit which came with a strap that you can adjust and it goes around the back of your head. It was broad, textured, and gentle, and initially, I thought it would be really comfortable. However, after 15 minutes, I started to feel burdened by the device, and just five minutes later, I was in pain. In all fairness, I should have mentioned my discomfort to Apple sooner, and there were other straps available for me to switch to. But I wanted to avoid wasting time. When I eventually informed the company’s staff about my problems, they switched the strap to one that had two loops, with one going over the top of my head.