Apple has finally introduced Vision Pro (not Reality Pro as speculated), an innovative computer system that aims to revolutionize the way users interact with digital content in their physical surroundings. The cutting-edge technology offers a three-dimensional interface, seamlessly blending virtual elements into the user’s real-world environment using intuitive tools like eye tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands. Apple doesn’t call it a VR device but a spatial computer. And, at some level, it is like having a MacBook Air wrapped around your face, that’s how much technology is crammed into it. Not to mention the displays, sensors, and cameras that go with it.
With Vision Pro, users can effortlessly view and manipulate 3D objects, organize multiple apps in space, and capture photos and videos in a whole new way. The system provides an expansive canvas for apps, photos, videos, and games, allowing users to customize their experiences by placing and sizing digital content anywhere they desire.
One of the key features of Vision Pro is its ability to immerse users in a variety of entertainment experiences. Whether it’s enjoying movies, shows, sports events, or games, users can enjoy a larger-than-life screen surrounded by specially designed audio, creating a captivating and realistic viewing experience. Moreover, Vision Pro enables users to connect with others as if they were physically sharing the same space.
The advanced real-time sensor system and spatial audio technology enhance the overall immersion provided by Vision Pro. The display system boasts an impressive resolution, with 23 million pixels spread across two panels, surpassing the pixel count of a typical 4K TV for each eye. The MicroOLED Apple silicon backplane houses 64 pixels within the space of a single iPhone pixel, with each pixel measuring just seven and a half microns wide.
Designed for comfort and wearability, the frame of Vision Pro is meticulously crafted from a custom aluminum alloy, featuring a gently curved design that wraps around the user’s face. This frame not only provides structural integrity but also ensures the protection of internal components within its compact form. The inclusion of soft textile elements adds comfort, and extensive research on various head shapes and sizes ensures a customizable fit.
The headband of Vision Pro is created using 3D knitting techniques, resulting in a unique rib structure that offers cushioning, breathability, and stretch. The band can be easily replaced with a different size or style using a secure attachment mechanism, catering to individual preferences and comfort requirements.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Made with 3D formed laminated glass and a custom aluminum alloy. |
| Digital Crown | Located on top for adjustments, easily lets the user dim the real world in the background to go full VR. |
| Modular System | Allows customization for different head sizes, and a very sold design. |
| Flexible Headband | Attaches magnetically and made from custom 3D knitted material. |
| Speakers | Two speakers on the side with spatial audio, using Apple’s audio raytracing technology. |
| Vision | In partnership with Zeiss, glasses magnetically attach to the lenses, for vision correction as needed. |
| Privacy and Security | Eye scan technology to unlock device, secure local storage, and eye movements are masked from applications, only interactions are recorded. |
| System on a Chip | Powered by Apple’s M2 chip. |
| Display System | MicroOLED with 64 pixels in one iPhone pixel space, with each pixel being 7.5-micron wide. There are 23 million pixels across two panels. |
| Cameras, Sensors and Microphones | 12 cameras, 5 sensors, and 6 microphones, including two IR cameras for eye tracking (EyeSight), a LiDAR scanner, a TrueDepth camera, and cameras for real-world and hand tracking. |
| Real-Time Processing Chip | New R1 chip designed for real-time processing of sensor information removing lag associated with other VR headsets. Apple claims the lag is 12 ms. |
| OS | VisionOS |
| Interaction | Controller-free with voice commands, eye tracking, and hand gestures for operation. Users can use virtual keyboards or existing input devices. |
| Comfort | Swapable parts for comfort and fit. Easy snap in and out. |
| External Battery | External battery pack that lasts up to two hours and can connect via a “supple woven cable”. |
| Avatar System | Ability to create a hyperrealistic avatar by scanning your face. Allows for user to appear virtually in video calls without the headset while continuing to use it as a main display. |
| Reality Modes | Switch between augmented reality and full virtual reality with commands, gestures, or using physical controls on headset. |
| Spatial Audio | Spatial audio technology for immersive communication and content consumption. |
| Price | Starting at $3,499, available in early 2024. |
