Here’s what you need to know about the headset
With the Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset from Cupertino will soon be released. Until then, we’re collecting information, rumors and leaks about the long-awaited Apple glasses.
In 2024, Apple will venture into the world of mixed reality headsets. It remains to be seen whether Apple will actually succeed in turning the market for this technology inside out, as it did with the iPhone.
- When will the Apple Vision Pro glasses be released?
- How much does the Apple Vision Pro cost?
- Is there a cheaper version?
- Do I need another device from Apple’s ecosystem?
The Apple Vision Pro should be able to do that
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input options
visionOS: The operating system for “spatial computing”
Here we collect rumours, leaks and other information about Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro for you. The manufacturer itself is self-confident in a press release after the World Wide Developers Conference 2023 and already has a name ready for the new way of working, watching films and playing. The buzzword is “spatial computing”.
When will the Apple Vision Pro glasses be released?
Apple introduced the Vision Pro at WWDC on June 5, 2023. However, it should not be launched on the market until spring 2024. Not all over the world there, but initially in the USA. Interested parties will probably have to wait longer in other countries.
How much does the Apple Vision Pro cost?
In advance, the cost of the VR glasses was estimated at around 3,000 US dollars. Even with that, the Apple Vision Pro would not only be unaffordable, it would cost almost twice as much as the current competition, such as the Meta Quest Pro. In a press release, Apple is now certain. The Vision Pro will start at $3,499, making it more expensive than expected.
It has already been announced that there will be optical assignments from ZEISS to carry out the necessary vision corrections. These inserts would be sold separately.
Is there a cheaper version?
With this price and the suffix “Pro” you could now assume that there will be at least one cheaper variant of the Vision Pro. But according to Bloomberg, we could only expect a cheaper version from the next generation.
This cheaper variant could save on the components or features.
Do I need another device from Apple’s ecosystem?
Although the headset will most likely also have well-known programs from Apple, it will probably not be dependent on another device. At least the Apple Vision Pro should don’t need an iPhone.
That doesn’t mean the new device couldn’t be compatible with other devices from Cupertino. The Vision Pro should represent a virtual display of your Mac. However, thanks to the transmission technology used, only one display was really shown.
Even if you don’t necessarily need it, the iPhone should be able to work with the Apple Vision Pro. In addition, the manufacturer will probably give the iPhone 15 an update of the ultra-wideband chip, which will also help to save energy. You can already use the technology behind it with Apple’s AirTags, for example.
The Apple Vision Pro should be able to do that
The manufacturer from Cupertino not only relies on an unspecified M2 chip for the Vision Pro, but also on a processing unit with the R1 chip, which is specially designed for the input of the 12 cameras, five sensors and six microphones of the glasses to process. The cameras are probably used, among other things, to take spatial photos and videos.
US media are now talking about the new headset. But some German press representatives and technology influencers were also able to gain first impressions, such as AlexiBexi, whose video you can find embedded below.
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According to Apple, the displays of the glasses should have a total of 23 million pixels, which should provide more than 4K resolution per eye. With a mixed reality headset, the screens are far closer to the eyes than with monitors or smartphones. Therefore, the choice of the built-in panels is of course also interesting.
Asia Nikkei claims to have found out that Apple is therefore relying on two micro-OLED displays that cost $150 each alone. The OLED displays could come from Sony.
In a video intended for developers, Apple lost a few words about the refresh rate of the displays. This would be 90 Hertz.
input options
Mixed reality is intended to combine real components of the environment with virtual things. Of course, this also raises the question of how the device should be operated without other Apple devices. From other VR glasses we know special controllers that work with the position of the hands. Apple uses a different technology.
In this picture you can see a keyboard that seems to be floating in space. (Source: Apple)
The device should make it possible to type in the air. The headset probably processes hand and eye movements for this. Alternatively, there is a digital crown like the Apple Watch and, of course, operation via voice is also possible.
visionOS: The operating system for “spatial computing”
Of course, the input also includes a corresponding operating system, which is called visionOS. Apps should fill the space here and thus offer unlimited screen space. Apple relies on an iris analysis method for login. Well-known apps from the Apple cosmos should be tailored to the headset. You can play more than 100 games from Apple Arcade just like in a personal cinema.
Panorama images should also envelop the user. According to Apple, FaceTime is equipped with life-size tiles of the callers, while headset users are represented as avatars with facial and hand movements. In addition, many iPhone and iPad apps should work automatically with the input system of the Vision Pro. You will probably be able to download these and other apps in a new app store.
The first developer tools are now available, with which new software will be created. Some third-party providers were already able to work with this in advance. Your apps show where the journey could go.
Note: This constantly updated article is based on leaks, analyst statements, editorial assessments and rumors, the veracity of which is difficult for us to verify from a distance. Until the formal presentation of the Apple Reality Pro headset, you should therefore view the information with a certain degree of skepticism.