At the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2023), Apple made a groundbreaking announcement, unveiling its highly-anticipated augmented reality headset — the Vision Pro.
Through the new visionOS, dubbed by Apple as "the world's first spatial operating system", Vision Pro enables users to engage with digital content as if they were integrated into their physical surroundings. The device introduces a 3D user interface that responds to the user's eyes, hands, and voice — providing a remarkably intuitive and instinctive way of interaction.
The advanced eye-tracking technology allows effortless app navigation simply by looking at them, while the downward-facing cameras capture hand movements, facilitating easy commands like tap to select and flick to scroll. Besides, the device also supports voice commands while still providing compatibility with traditional keyboards and trackpads.
Apart from various iPad and iPhone apps, Vision Pro will offer compatibility with over 100 Apple Arcade games right from its launch, supporting game controllers like PlayStation 5's DualSense. Beyond the confines of a fixed screen, photos and videos could also be captured and viewed through a more immersive perspective, as if you're actually reliving your memories.
Not just that, your eyes are visible to those in your vicinity, allowing you to remain connected with people around you. And if someone attempts to talk to you while you’re wearing the headset, their presence will be more prominently displayed than the app or content you currently have open, making it easier for you to engage with others while still enjoying your AR experience.
Taking advantage of a modular assembly system, users can customize their own Vision Pro into a perfect fit by swapping between different sizes and styles of Light Seals and Head Bands. Individuals who wear glasses will not have to worry about accessibility as specially designed optical inserts created by Zeiss will be magnetically attached to your glasses' lenses.
Furthermore, spatial audio is more realistic than ever before, thanks to the advanced audio ray-tracing technology. By utilizing sophisticated sensors, the device intelligently analyzes the materials and objects in your surroundings. The result is realistic acoustics that feel as if sound is originating from the world around you, enveloping you in a truly immersive auditory environment.
In terms of hardware, the device is equipped with a micro-OLED display system that delivers an impressive 4K resolution for each eye. Powering the device is Apple's powerful M2 processor, supplemented by the cutting-edge R1 chip specifically designed for real-time sensor processing of the device's 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones. The device can be conveniently powered either by connecting it to an electrical socket or by utilizing an external battery pack that lasts for approximately two hours.
Priced at $3,499 and set to be released in early 2024, the device will launch in the US before expanding to other countries later in the year.
