Apple has unveiled its long-awaited augmented reality/virtual reality headset called the Vision Pro. The Vision Pro represents Apple’s first major new product category since the Apple Watch and its ambitious entry into spatial computing.
The Vision Pro is a mixed reality headset that can overlay digital content into the real world (augmented reality) or fully immerse the user in virtual reality. At its core, it combines a powerful video passthrough system using outward-facing cameras to map the user’s surroundings with a set of ultra-high resolution micro-OLED displays.
With features like hand tracking, eye tracking, and spatial audio, the $3,499 Vision Pro aims to provide a true “spatial computing” experience. Users can open multiple app windows and virtual displays positioned anywhere in 3D space around them and navigate with just their eyes and hands.
While not Apple’s long-rumored glasses-style AR device, the Vision Pro lays important groundwork. It runs a new operating system called visionOS based on iPadOS, with support for existing iPad apps as well as new immersive experiences. Apple touts features like viewing Mac displays, watching 3D movies, and even holding FaceTime calls using personalized 3D avatars.
However, the Vision Pro carries notable trade-offs compared to traditional computing experiences. Its video passthrough has some inherent limitations compared to seeing reality directly. And while its hand/eye control system is impressively advanced, many wonder if such interfaces can truly replace traditional inputs like keyboards and mice for productivity work.
The Vision Pro represents Apple’s first step into mainstream spatial computing amid stiff competition, especially from Meta’s Quest line. Only time will tell if the current technology can live up to Apple’s lofty vision of blending the digital and physical worlds. But the Vision Pro seems poised to push augmented and virtual reality further into the mainstream.