Apple is on the brink of launching its Apple Vision Pro, a device poised to make waves as its first major product entry since the Apple Watch in 2015. Slated for early 2024, this mixed reality headset combines augmented and virtual reality in a single, sleek, very expensive package.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Vision Pro is “the most important product for Apple for 2024,” predicting store availability by late January or early February 2024. Here’s what you need to know ahead of its oncoming arrival.
Priced at a whopping $3,499, the Vision Pro looks to be a technological marvel, boasting dual micro-OLED displays and more than a dozen cameras and sensors for an immersive experience. It’s a bold blend of gaming, productivity, and entertainment, wrapped up in Apple’s signature style.
The design is reminiscent of high-end ski goggles, with a laminated glass front melding into an aluminum alloy frame. Comfort and customization are key, with adjustable straps and light seals to fit various face shapes. The device is controlled through intuitive eye tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands, eliminating the need for traditional controllers.
Inside, the Vision Pro is powered by the M2 chip and a new R1 chip, ensuring top-notch performance for its visionOS operating system and various applications. Despite its impressive capabilities, the headset is tethered to an external battery pack, providing about two hours of use before needing a recharge.
The visionOS operating system offers an “infinite canvas” for app windows, and the headset is compatible with a full catalog of iPhone and iPad apps. It can also connect to a Mac, serving as an expansive virtual display space.
However, Apple’s ambitious venture is not without its challenges. The complexity of the Vision Pro’s design has led to cautious production forecasts, with fewer than 500,000 units expected in 2024. Initially, sales will be limited to the United States, with in-store assembly and customization being a key part of the customer experience.
As we’ve previously explored, it’s hard to know exactly who this product is for – at least in its first iteration. Whether the Vision Pro becomes a hit or a miss remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it’s a bold step into a new realm of “spatial computing.”