Apple Vision Pro: A Revolutionary Leap into the Future of Mixed Reality
In an unprecedented move that has been long-awaited by tech enthusiasts, Apple Inc. is stepping into a new major product category with the upcoming release of the Apple Vision Pro, a groundbreaking mixed reality headset. Announced with great fanfare on June 5, 2023, during the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the Vision Pro promises to redefine the way we interact with digital media and the physical world around us. Scheduled to hit the market in early 2024 in the United States and later in the year in countries like Japan, India, Brazil, Canada, and Australia, this device marks Apple’s boldest foray into the realm of extended reality since the release of the Apple Watch in 2015.
Unleashing the “Spatial Computer”
Apple’s Vision Pro is boldly marketed as a “spatial computer,” heralding a new era in the realm of extended reality. Designed to integrate digital media seamlessly with the real world, the Vision Pro offers users a captivating mixed reality experience. The device’s impressive array of physical inputs, including motion gestures, eye tracking, and voice input, empower users to interact with the system like never before. Operating on visionOS, a derivative of iOS optimized for running extended reality apps, the Vision Pro functions primarily as a standalone device, but can also be cordlessly tethered to a Mac for added versatility.
Development Journey and Innovations
Apple’s journey towards creating the Vision Pro has been one of determination and innovation. The company acquired the German augmented reality (AR) company Metaio in 2015, laying the groundwork for its ambitious project. The Technology Development Group, led by Mike Rockwell, joined forces with Apple Watch manager Fletcher Rothkopf and Metaio co-founder Peter Meier to develop an impressive AR demo in 2016. However, the project faced opposition from then-chief design officer Jony Ive and his team. The addition of augmented reality and virtual reality (VR) expert Jeff Norris in 2017 injected fresh momentum into the project, leading to the delivery of ARKit in 2017.
The Vision Pro’s development encountered uncertainty with the departure of Jony Ive in 2019. Nevertheless, the project persevered under the leadership of Geoff Stahl, who spearheaded the development of visionOS. The headset’s ultimate goal is to serve as a bridge to future lightweight augmented reality glasses, which are yet to be technically feasible. In pursuit of perfection, Apple also acquired Canadian augmented reality company Vrvana, adding valuable technology to enhance the Vision Pro’s capabilities.
Unveiling and Specifications
As excitement built up, information about the headset, previously rumored to be called the Reality Pro, began to surface in 2022. In May 2022, Apple executives, including CEO Tim Cook, gave a preview of the device. The company actively recruited directors to develop content for the headset, showcasing its dedication to providing users with a diverse and immersive experience.
The Vision Pro boasts impressive hardware specifications, including a laminated glass display front and an aluminum frame covered by a flexible cushion. Its adjustable headband ensures a comfortable fit for every user. Equipped with five sensors, six microphones, and 12 cameras, the device captures every detail of the user’s environment. The micro-OLED displays, totaling 23 megapixels, create a captivating visual experience for the user. Eye tracking through a system of LEDs and infrared cameras powers the device’s iris scanner, known as Optic ID, for authentication purposes.
VisionOS: A Futuristic Operating System
Running on visionOS, the Vision Pro offers an intuitive and immersive user experience. Navigated via finger tracking, eye tracking, and speech recognition, the 3D user interface provides seamless interaction with apps displayed in floating windows arranged in 3D space. The headset supports a virtual keyboard, the Siri virtual assistant, and external Bluetooth peripherals, further enhancing its versatility.
Pricing and Reception
As the Vision Pro’s release draws near, anticipation and curiosity grow among consumers. However, the headset’s high starting price of US$3,499 has sparked debates and discussions about its accessibility and potential market reach. Nevertheless, the Vision Pro’s innovative technology and captivating mixed reality experiences have garnered admiration from tech enthusiasts and critics alike.
The Apple Vision Pro marks a pivotal moment in the tech industry, ushering us into a new era of mixed reality experiences. With its spatial computing capabilities, innovative hardware, and futuristic visionOS, the Vision Pro promises to blur the lines between the digital and physical realms. As the world eagerly awaits its release in early 2024, the tech community eagerly anticipates the impact this device will have on the future of extended reality.