The Apple Vision Pro has been announced during Apple's WWDC 2023 presentation, a mixed reality headset delivering both augmented and virtual reality applications and content. What at first looks like a pair of snowboarding goggles is what might be Apple's most complicated hardware it's ever created. The Apple Vision Pro will allow users to play games, view media, conduct business, and more, all while on the move thanks to a wired battery that can fit in a pocket.
Rumors of Apple working on a hybrid augmented/virtual reality device have been swirling for years. Apple was said to be seeking a foothold in a market that's been seen as a major future growth opportunity for years now. Outside of niche markets, however, like PC-gaming-focused VR headsets or more casual mobile VR headsets, devices have struggled to gain mainstream appeal. Both the Microsoft HoloLens and Google Glass headsets, for example, have been discontinued.
Apple believes its Apple Vision Pro headset is the hardware that will change everything, it seems. Unveiled during WWDC 2023, the Apple Vision Pro is a simple-looking machine with big promises. It's worn like a pair of goggles, fully covering the user's eyes with a transparent screen and held to the back of the head with a padded strap. The headset itself is the computer, powered by a battery pack that's worn in a pocket and connected via a wire running up the user's back. Controls for the Vision Pro are the user's hands, with gestures recognized by the headset and no VR controllers required.
Uses for the Apple Vision Pro are myriad, as it blends the real with the digital. Standard Apple apps were prominently featured, including Apple Photos, Facetime, and Music. These apps have been improved for Vision Pro, of course. Photos can be experienced in 3D with the headset's 3D camera, Facetime can create augmented-reality face-to-face interactions or meetings and display the user via digitally constructed faces, and Music scans and adapts to 3D environments to create immersive listening experiences.
Partners showcased during the event include both Disney and Unity. Disney confirmed the Disney+ streaming service would be available for Apple Vision Pro day one, and shared a demo of possible interactive experiences that could run on the device. Unity apps will run natively on Apple Vision Pro, meaning developers will be able to create or adapt augmented reality experiences with relative ease.
Considering the cutting edge hardware Apple is putting into the Apple Vision Pro, it's no surprise that the device is going to be very expensive. Apple's announced launch price for the Apple Vision Pro is $3,499. This is a computer, after all, better compared to a MacBook than an iPhone. The Apple Vision Pro will be available in the United States in early 2024 and can be purchased through Apple's website or at Apple storefronts. Expect to hear more about the Apple Vision Pro later in 2023.