Online Desk: For almost ten years, there have been rumours about Apple stepping into virtual and augmented reality. Finally, at WWDC 2023, they unveiled Vision Pro. The first device with visionOS will be available on February 2nd, and you can start placing pre-orders on January 19th at 8 AM ET / 5 AM PT. Even though Apple never officially admitted to developing the headset, numerous rumours circulated over the years speculating about its features. Now, the reality is revealed with Vision Pro, a mixed-reality device that can deliver both virtual and augmented reality experiences.

All Revealed Features and Specifications of Apple Vision Pro

Global Release Date

Apple introduced the Vision Pro at WWDC in June 2023, mentioning it would be out ‘early next year.’ Surprisingly, it arrived in January 2024, a bit earlier than expected, but the announcement just before CES was strategic for grabbing attention.

Initially, the headset is only available in the U.S., with Apple stating that other countries would have to wait until ‘later next year,’ as mentioned during the unveiling in 2023. Speculations in July 2023 by Gurman hinted that the U.K. and Canada might see the launch shortly after the U.S., while Asia and other parts of Europe might have to wait until later in 2024 or even 2025.

Design

The Apple Vision Pro boasts a design that prioritises wearability and user customization. Crafted from a bespoke aluminium alloy, its frame gracefully contours around the user’s face. The modular design allows for a tailored fit, ensuring optimal comfort.

The Light Seal, composed of a soft textile, offers a precise fit with various sizes and shapes to accommodate individual preferences. Adjustable flexible straps secure the device on the head, positioning the Audio Pods conveniently near the ears. The cushioned headband, available in different sizes and styles, further enhances the personalised experience.

As of Apple’s press release in January 2023, each Vision Pro package includes two Light Seal cushions and is available in a diverse range of shapes and sizes. The package also encompasses an Apple Vision Pro Cover for the device’s front, a battery, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter.

Prescription Glasses

People who wear glasses for vision issues can buy custom optical inserts, called ZEISS Optical Inserts, to improve their vision with the headset. These inserts are sold separately and can be magnetically attached to the lenses of the headset. It’s important to note that the extra lenses are not included in the headset’s price, and there is an additional cost for purchasing them.

Video Conference

For video conferencing, Vision Pro will support FaceTime, utilising the surrounding space to display everyone in life-size tiles during conversations. The innovative use of Spatial Audio ensures that participants’ voices emanate from the direction of their respective tiles.

Addressing the challenge of wearing a mask without a front-facing camera, Apple introduces a unique solution called ‘Persona.’ This digital representation of the user is generated using advanced machine-learning techniques, capturing the user’s appearance and even reflecting real-time face and hand movements for a more engaging video conferencing experience.

The Vision Pro includes an innovative feature called Optic ID, utilising a new method to recognize the user’s iris for unlocking the device and authenticating passwords and purchases. Similar to the iPhone and Mac, all data is securely stored on a dedicated Secure Enclave processor.

Another interesting feature, EyeSight, projects an accurate perspective of the user’s eyes to those observing them. EyeSight also incorporates a visual indicator, ensuring transparency when the user is capturing a spatial photo or video.

Performance and Apps

According to Apple, the Vision Pro is designed to provide exceptional computing performance. It is equipped with both an M2 processor and a new R1 chip, which processes data from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones. This setup eliminates lag, ensuring minimal latency, and allows the headset to update images at a rate eight times faster than the blink of an eye. Notably, the device operates quietly.

All the apps, including FaceTime and Spotify, will be available on Vision Pro. Users can control the device using their eyes, voice, and hands, tapping fingers to select apps and flicking them to scroll. Apple highlights that users can even pull 3D objects out of apps, allowing them to view these objects from various angles.

Software

The Vision Pro headset will operate on visionOS, an operating system specially crafted by Apple for visual computing. As of June 21, Apple made the visionOS software development kit accessible to members of the Apple Developer Program.

In July 2023, the company extended support by opening developer labs in Cupertino, California, as well as in London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. These labs offer developers the opportunity for hands-on experience with the Apple Vision Pro hardware and provide support from Apple engineers.

Price of Apple’s Vision Pro Headset

The starting price for the Vision Pro is USD 3,499, or BDT 3,84,076 which includes 256GB of storage. While Apple hasn’t confirmed international prices yet, it’s likely to follow their typical structure, suggesting a GBP 3,499 price tag in the U.K.

The Apple Vision Pro package includes both a Solo Knit Band and a Dual Loop Band, providing users the option to choose the most comfortable one or wear both. Additionally, it comes with a battery pack, USB-C charging cable, power adapter, and a Polishing Cloth, a separate purchase priced at USD 19 or BDT 2,085.

For users requiring prescription lenses, there will be an extra cost. ZEISS Optical Inserts — Readers will be available for $99, and ZEISS Optical Inserts — Prescription will be available for $149.

It remains unclear if there will be additional options or accessories, apart from the included external battery pack. The conversion rate here is USD 1 = BDT 109.77.

Conclusion

Apple’s Vision Pro headset is a groundbreaking mixed reality device unveiled at WWDC 2023, offering a unique blend of virtual and augmented reality experiences.

Powered by cutting-edge visionOS and equipped with an M2 processor and R1 chip, the device offers exceptional computing performance. Facilitating engaging video conferencing through FaceTime, enhanced by Spatial Audio and the innovative ‘Persona’ solution, further exemplifies its capabilities.

Catering to glasses wearers with ZEISS Optical Inserts and providing accessibility to developers worldwide, the Vision Pro stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, performance, and functionality in the realm of immersive technology.