The Apple Vision Pro is a mixed reality headset that shows immersive, fully virtual information overlaid on the actual world.
The augmented and virtual reality headset known as Apple Vision Pro has been in development for more than ten years. When the device was unveiled at WWDC 2023 in June, Vision Pro was the company’s first foray into a new product category since the 2015 Apple Watch. Early 2024 is the planned launch date.
Even while the Apple Vision Pro is undoubtedly a headset, Apple does not call it one. Apple refers to it as a spatial computer instead, since it can combine digital content with the real environment.
The Apple Vision Pro is a mixed reality headset that shows immersive, fully virtual information overlaid on the actual world. It’s important to note, however, that the headset is not transparent. You just see digital images. Apple employs cameras to map out your surroundings for augmented reality content that does not make them vanish. Then, virtual objects enhance this digital image.
Apple turns off those cameras to create the illusion that you are completely cut off from your surroundings during a virtual reality encounter, allowing you to concentrate solely on the content being shown on the headset’s screens. A digital crown located on the device can be used to manage this transition between the “real” and the “immersive”.
Apple Vision Pro has a similar design to a pair of ski goggles, since it has a single front piece of laminated glass that blends into an aluminum alloy frame. Light-blocking, soft, fitting Light Seals that fit your face are magnetically fastened to the frame.
Spatial audio, which combines what you hear on the headset with what is happening in the actual world, is delivered via two audio straps with built-in speakers that are placed at the sides of the headset. A 3D knitted headband that secures the Vision Pro in place is connected to the audio straps.
For comfort, Apple made it breathable, cushioned, and elastic. A fit dial makes sure the headset fits snugly against your head. Apple intends to sell interchangeable light seals and headbands in a range of sizes.
Two micro-OLED screens located inside the frame provide each eye with over 4K resolution for a total of 23 million pixels. In order to let people know whether you’re using the headset in immersive mode or whether you can see what’s going on around you, there is also an external display called EyeSight that projects an image of your eyes.
For those who wear glasses, Zeiss Optical Inserts with a personalized prescription are available and can be magnetically connected to the headset’s lenses.
For Apple Vision Pro, there are no controllers; instead, voice commands, eye tracking, and hand gestures are used to operate the headset. Looking at an app allows you to go to it, highlight it, and tap it to open it. With a simple flick of the fingertips, scrolling is accomplished.
In Apple Vision Pro, more than a dozen cameras and sensors map out your surroundings while monitoring your hand and eye movements.
For authentication, Optic ID uses infrared lights and cameras to scan your iris. Optic ID is similar to Face ID and Touch ID and uses the distinctive iris patterns that each person has. It can be used as a password substitute, for purchasing things, and to unlock the device.
Powered Apple Vision Pro Highlight Blue Magenta
The same M2 chip from the Mac and a new R1 chip from Apple are both found within the Vision Pro. While the R1 chip receives input from the cameras, sensors, and microphones, the M2 chip runs visionOS, executes computer vision algorithms, and delivers graphics.
A built-in camera on the Apple Vision Pro can capture 3D images and films when the top button of the gadget is tapped. According to Apple, customers can take 3D videos and photographs and then revisit those memories in a way that has never been possible before.
Additionally, Vision Pro will enlarge already-existing images and movies to make them more immersive. Note that Vision Pro indicates that recording is happening when you are recording video by displaying an animation on the external display.
Apple did not include a battery in the Apple Vision Pro due to weight restrictions. Instead, a braided wire that is connected to a battery pack worn on the hip or hooked into an adaptor might supply power to the device. On a single charge, the battery pack provides two hours of battery life.
The surrounding environment is displayed with Apple Vision Pro. Multiple windows are supported, and you can reposition apps and windows in midair as you see fit.
There is an “infinite canvas” to work with, according to Apple. Apps can be presented in your current surroundings, so you can stay aware of what is going on around you, or you can use a more immersive view called surroundings to block out the outside world and display material on a virtual background.
The VisionOS operating system, which powers Apple Vision Pro, has a specific App Store with programs made especially for the device, in addition to being able to run apps on iPhone and iPad. The Vision Pro may be connected to a Mac, and the headset can act as the Mac’s display. You can use virtual typing or dictation for text input and control, Bluetooth accessories, or both.
All of your preferred Apple applications, including Mail, Messages, Music, Safari, Photos, and more, are available in the main Home View, and your data is synchronized via iCloud. Although you may open apps and arrange them electronically, the experience is identical to that of an iPhone.
Apple has created APIs for developers and is revamping its flagship apps for VisionOS. Apple Vision Pro provides an immersive experience for media like TV and movies. You can enlarge the content to give it the sensation of being in your own personal theater, complete with spatial audio.
For Vision Pro, FaceTime has been overhauled. People on the call are displayed to the headset user in huge tiles, while the headset user is represented by an exact digital copy of their digital identity. Users of Vision Pro can share apps with others or work together on papers with colleagues using FaceTime, and spatial audio makes it clear who is speaking.
The creator’s chosen frame rate and aspect ratio are available when using the Cinema Environment, or you can use an environment with a natural theme to make the screen appear to be 100 feet wide. Apple has made streaming services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ available on Vision Pro.
Apple Immersive Videos are 180-degree 3D 8K recordings that engage customers in the action. Regarding gaming, Vision Pro supports Apple Arcade, which will debut with 100 iPad titles. Bluetooth gaming controllers that are connected to the headset can be used to play games.