Apple announced its most ambitious and advanced product yet, the Apple Vision Pro. As the company's first foray into augmented and virtual reality, the Apple Vision Pro aims to seamlessly blend digital content with the physical world through spatial computing.
Apple Vision Pro is a revolutionary new augmented reality device that allows users to experience entirely new forms of computing through the power of vision. Gone are the days of looking at flat screens - instead, apps and digital objects can exist seamlessly within the user's physical environment.
"Welcome to the era of spatial computing," said Apple CEO Tim Cook during the announcement. "Apple Vision Pro transforms how we experience technology by letting your eyes, hands, and voice naturally interact with apps and digital objects that co-exist in physical space."
Design and Hardware
As with all Apple products, the Vision Pro's design is seamlessly integrated with its powerful technology. The device features a unique optical system made of a singular piece of three-dimensionally formed laminated glass. This high-precision glass acts as the lens for the onboard cameras and sensors while smoothly flowing into an lightweight aluminum alloy frame that gently curves around the user's face.
A key design element is the "Light Seal" which flexibly conforms to different face shapes while blocking out stray light for an optimal viewing experience. Additional cushioning and a stretch "Head Band" wrapped in lightweight knitted yarn provide all-day comfort. Users can finely adjust the fit using a "Fit Dial" mechanism.
Two state-of-the-art micro-OLED displays, each touting a resolution higher than 4K, deliver over 23 million pixels to each eye for breathtaking clarity. An advanced multi-element lens system creates the feeling that digital content is everywhere the user looks.
Dual high-performance speakers positioned close to the ears deliver 3D "Spatial Audio" for a rich sound experience. Spatial Audio positioning allows sounds from the physical world to blend seamlessly with audio from digital sources. Vision Pro also supports AirPods for private listening.
An array of advanced cameras and sensors work tirelessly behind the scenes. Dual high-resolution outward-facing cameras provide over 1 billion pixels per second of video feed for computer vision processing. A high-tech "LiDAR Scanner" and "TrueDepth Camera" fuse 3D mapping data for accurate spatial positioning. Precise infrared "eye tracking" cameras enable selection through gaze.
Under the hood, Apple's custom silicon enables its incredible feats. The dual-chip "M2-R1" design consists of the powerful M2 System on a Chip alongside a dedicated "R1" chip for intensive input processing, computer vision algorithms, and rendering graphics at 12 milliseconds of lag-free speed. Cooling is passive for a fanless thermal system.
After the latest Apple Mac focused on October 30th, we wouldn't be surprised if we see Apple integrating the M3 chip inside of the upcoming Apple Vision Pro as it's newer and better than the already impressive M2 chip. We would have to wait for Apple's confirmation if this is the case or not as currently this is only a speculation.
Software and User Experience
Vision Pro runs on Apple's revolutionary new "visionOS" operating system, built from the foundation of iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Apps in visionOS are not confined to a simple screen - they can freely exist and scale within the user's physical space. Users navigate through apps and experiences using their gaze, hands, and voice.
Looking at app icons, buttons, and selection targets simply and intuitively activates them through the Vision Pro's precise eye tracking sensors. Hand gestures like tapping fingers together make selections while gentle hand swipes scroll through content. Dictation through natural language commands round out the voice input methods.
A key differentiator in Vision Pro is immersive "Environments" that transform the user's surroundings digitally. Choosing stunning natural backdrops like forests, oceans and mountains, apps and content grow beyond the limitations of physical walls. Users can fully control their level of immersion with the Digital Crown wheel.
Through its innovative design and breakthrough spatial computing abilities, Vision Pro delivers benefits across key areas including creative apps, connectivity, gaming, photography and video, as well entertainment and education experiences. Apple is collaborating closely with developers to build specially tailored "visionOS apps" that push innovation.
Privacy and Security
Privacy and security are foundational pillars in Vision Pro's design, as with all Apple products. Computer vision processing and inputs from cameras/sensors are handled locally on-device to avoid collecting and sharing user data.
For identity authentication, Vision Pro introduces "Optic ID" which uses advanced iris recognition capabilities to login and authorize purchases through the uniqueness of a user's eyes. No biometric data ever leaves the device.
Additionally, Vision Pro's outward display reveals the user's eyes which flash between different illumination patterns depending on whether the user is actively engaged with apps or fully immersed within an experience. This allows others nearby to intuitively understand the user's focus and attention level while wearing the headset.
Availability and Pricing
Vision Pro will be available for purchase early next year in the United States starting at $2,999. Pre-orders will open this fall on apple.com and through the Apple Store app. Vision Pro works seamlessly with iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices running the latest software versions for a unified Apple experience. As is typical for new Apple product categories, the initial Vision Pro is envisioned as a state-of-the-art prosumer device catering to early adopters, developers and professionals.
Further generations will expand into broader consumer markets through refinements to functionality, comfort and pricing over time. Accessories like prescription lenses, controllers, cameras and carrying cases will also be available.
In summary, the Apple Vision Pro represents an ambitious first step into revolutionary new spatial computing capabilities. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology while maintaining Apple's focus on design, privacy and usability, Vision Pro paves the exciting path ahead for augmented reality experiences on a grand scale. It will be fascinating to see the first wave of visionOS apps and immersive experiences that push the capabilities of this industry-defining new product category.