The era of spatial computing has arrived. This is how CEO Tim Cook describes the launch of Apple’s new Vision Pro headset in a newsroom post published late last night. “Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created. Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore,” he adds.
Cook is usually not quoted in these press releases. At least, not in the modern day. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max featured words from Greg Joswiak, the company’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. And the very recent M3 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro featured John Ternus, senior vice president of Hardware Engineering at Apple. But with the Vision Pro, it seems Cook has taken complete charge, first when he introduced the headset to the world at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June last year, and now, when it is ready to launch in early February 2024.
Both Apple and its CEO have presumably had sleepless nights before the announcement went live after spending the greater part of last year, assuring naysayers, the headset was on schedule. We’re not sure how many times Cook went on record to pacify them that he was using the product daily and was optimistic that it would fly with Apple users, even with its exorbitant pricing. You can tell the gravity of the situation by connecting the dots. The Vision Pro is not only Apple’s next big bet for a future beyond the iPhone, but also one that could make or break Cook’s legacy as CEO of a trillion-dollar tech company that is synonymous with starting trends, those that then others would copy.
One can argue, Apple is late to the Mixed Reality (VR/AR) game where others have tried and failed. To those, we say, the iPhone wasn’t the first commercial smartphone either. Cook is credited with streamlining iPhone manufacturing for greater efficiency increasing profit by leaps and bounds for Cupertino, but the iPhone is still very much a Steve Jobs’ (and a bunch of people who rallied behind him) thing. It will always be. The Vision Pro is Tim Cook’s story, and we know that his time as CEO is limited and that he has been preparing several people from within Apple for the role (as told to Dua Lipa in a podcast late last year). And a product like the Vision Pro comes once –or twice tops— in a decade.
Vision Pro— the tech
The Vision Pro is Apple’s first foray into Mixed Reality (MR). Announced in June 2023, it’s not just a headset, it’s being billed as a portal to a whole new way of interacting with the world around you. Apple calls it a spatial computer. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know:
Key features:
- 3D interface: The headset is based on “visionOS”, its own operating system, that allows you to work with multiple apps simultaneously at any scale and immerse yourself in 3D experiences using your eyes, hands, and voice for input (no controller needed). Apple has curated an App Store for it and “1 million compatible apps across iOS and iPadOS, as well as new experiences that take advantage of the unique capabilities of Vision Pro” are available at launch.
- Ultra-high-resolution display(s): With 23 million pixels across two displays, Vision Pro offers visuals with wide colour and high dynamic range necessary for a sense of immersion.
- Spatial audio: Personalised spatial audio creates a seemingly realistic soundscape that (also) adapts to your head and ears, to back the visuals.
- 3D capture and playback: The headset can capture real-life moments in vivid 3D photos and videos. Then you can also relive them with immersive spatial audio on it. Alternatively, you can shoot spatial videos through the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models and play them on the Vision Pro.
- Staying connected: Apple has built an “EyeSight” feature for the headset that lets you maintain awareness of your surroundings while in VR mode, revealing your eyes to people nearby when needed.
Technical specs:
- Dual chip: The Vision Pro is powered by M2 chip while a dedicated R1 chip will help expedite real-time sensor processing, ensuring a smooth and lag-free experience.
- 6DoF Tracking: There are 12 built-in cameras and LiDAR in this headset for accurate tracking of your head and hand movements.
- Modular design: Per usual, Apple is emphasising on comfort shipping the headset with separate Solo Knit and Dual Loop bands for optimum fit. ZEISS optical inserts will be available for those who need them with prescription ones going up to USD 149 (roughly Rs 12,500) while readers will sell for USD 99 (roughly Rs 8,500).
Vision Pro— Price, availability
The Vision Pro will be available in the US from February 2 (pre-orders from January 19) at a starting price of USD 3,499 which roughly translates to about three lakhs after a straight-up conversation to INR. It is expected to launch in more markets including the UK and Canada in late 2024. The headset is highly unlikely to launch in India at this point.
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