What is Apple Vision Pro? How Much is Apple Vision Pro Headset Price? Apple Vision Pro Release Date, Cost, Features and More
by Kowsalya
Updated Jun 06, 2023
What is Apple Vision Pro?
The Apple Vision Pro is an upcoming mixed-reality headset developed by Apple Inc. It was officially unveiled on June 5, 2023, during the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference. This new product marks Apple's entry into the field of "spatial computing" and is scheduled to be released for purchase in early 2024. The Vision Pro represents Apple's first major consumer product launch since the introduction of the Apple Watch in 2015.
The Vision Pro is a high-end headset designed to provide an exceptional mixed-reality experience. It boasts two 8K displays, delivering stunning visual quality to users. The device is equipped with a powerful processor and an array of advanced sensors, enhancing its capabilities for both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications.
In AR mode, the Vision Pro leverages its capabilities to overlay digital information onto the real world. This functionality allows users to receive directions, and instructions, or engage in interactive games, all seamlessly integrated into their surrounding environment.
When switched to VR mode, the Vision Pro creates a fully immersive virtual environment, transporting users to a different reality. By combining its high-resolution displays, powerful processing, and advanced sensors, the headset offers an unparalleled level of immersion, enabling users to explore and interact within virtual worlds.
With the Apple Vision Pro, Apple aims to provide a comprehensive mixed-reality experience, blending the virtual and real worlds seamlessly. By leveraging the power of spatial computing, Apple envisions a new era of computing where digital content is integrated into our physical surroundings, revolutionizing how we interact with technology. The Vision Pro represents Apple's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering groundbreaking products to its customers.
How Much is Apple Vision Pro Headset Price?
Apple has finally unveiled its highly anticipated AR headset, fulfilling the long-held anticipation of consumers. The price of the Apple Vision Pro has been confirmed at $3,499, and it will be made available for purchase in early 2024.
In comparison to Meta's recent announcement of the Quest 3 priced at $499 and the Quest 2 retailing for $299, Apple's high-performance headset comes with a higher price tag. Meta initially launched its high-performance headset at $1,499, but it seems to be available at a discounted price of $999 at several retailers.
Distinguishing itself from Meta's headsets, the Apple Vision Pro focuses on augmented reality rather than virtual reality. Augmented reality provides a less immersive experience, allowing users to benefit from the technology without completely disconnecting from their surroundings. The Apple Vision Pro also introduces hand tracking as a control method, eliminating the need for separate handheld devices.
Similar to Meta's Quest Pro, Apple is positioning its headset as a tool for workplace usage. The vision of the Apple Vision Pro runs on the same framework as iOS and iPadOS, making it compatible with numerous existing applications. Apple has already confirmed compatibility with Microsoft Office apps, as well as popular video conferencing services such as WebEx and Zoom.
Equipped with micro-OLED displays, spatial audio, a 3D-like camera, and other high-end features, the Apple Vision Pro justifies its relatively higher price point. As a result, it appears to be primarily targeted towards enterprise users rather than general consumers.
Apple Vision Pro Release Date
The highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro is set to be released in the United States during the first quarter of 2024. While customers eagerly await its arrival, Apple has planned to provide opportunities for demonstrations and developer testing. This will allow individuals to experience the capabilities of the headset firsthand and enable developers to optimize their applications for the device.
During this waiting period, Apple intends to release a range of dedicated vision games and applications that leverage the advanced features of the Vision Pro. These applications will be specifically designed to harness the potential of the headset's dual 4K displays, powerful M2 chipset, and its innovative 3D camera set. By capitalizing on these cutting-edge technologies, the applications will offer users immersive and engaging experiences.
Apple's strategy of releasing dedicated games and apps aims to ensure that Vision Pro delivers a compelling and diverse content ecosystem right from its launch. By providing a variety of software optimized for the headset's capabilities, Apple seeks to enhance the overall user experience and maximize the potential of its advanced hardware.
Furthermore, while the initial release is planned for the United States, Apple has confirmed its intention to expand availability to other countries in the following year. This global rollout will enable users worldwide to access and enjoy the features and possibilities offered by the Apple Vision Pro.
Overall, Apple is taking a proactive approach to the release of the Vision Pro by facilitating demonstrations, supporting developers, and curating a rich selection of games and apps. This ensures that when the headset becomes available, users will have access to a compelling and optimized ecosystem that fully utilizes the device's impressive technological capabilities.
Apple Vision Pro Features
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the key features and specifications of the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset:
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Operating System: The headset runs on a dedicated operating system called visionOS, similar to iOS for iPhones, iPadOS for iPads, and watchOS for the Apple Watch.
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App Compatibility: The Apple AR/VR headset can run all the software available on the App Store for iPads. It features a familiar interface with grids of app icons on pages and supports multitasking, allowing users to run several apps simultaneously.
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User Interface and Navigation: The navigation on the headset is done through eye direction, voice commands, and hand gestures. Sensors inside the gear track the user's eye movements, while external cameras detect hand gestures. Users can select external objects, app icons, or action buttons by looking at them, and perform actions equivalent to taps or clicks by pinching their index finger and thumb.
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Gaming Capabilities: Users can play all the games available on Apple Arcade and other gaming platforms using the Vision Pro virtual reality headset. The games can also be played with a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, offering compatibility across different gaming genres, such as NBA or car racing games, and shooters. Additionally, Unity game developers have the ability to create dedicated games specifically for the Apple Vision Pro.
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Display Specifications: While Apple does not disclose the exact resolution and brightness of the two micro-OLED displays used in the Vision Pro, industry analyst Ross Young provides some insight. The headset features two 1.41-inch micro-OLED panels, one for each eye, with a density of 4,000 pixels per inch (PPI). It also boasts a maximum brightness of over 5,000 nits, ensuring vivid visuals and clarity.
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Field of View (FOV): The Vision Pro offers a field of view of 120 degrees, surpassing the widely popular Quest 2 by Meta. A higher FOV implies that the headset's lenses cover a larger portion of the user's field of view, resulting in a more immersive AR and VR experience.
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Interpupillary Distance (IPD) Adjustment: The IPD, which refers to the distance between a person's eyes, can be adjusted on the Vision Pro headset using a flexible knitted frame. This customization is important as each individual has a different IPD, and the headset needs to accommodate that distance for optimal viewing comfort.
These steps outline the key details regarding the operating system, app compatibility, navigation methods, gaming capabilities, display specifications, field of view, and interpupillary distance adjustment of the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset.
Apple AR/VR Headset Display and IPD
Display Specifications:
a. The exact resolution and brightness of the micro-OLED displays used in the Vision Pro are not disclosed by Apple.
b. According to display industry analyst Ross Young, the headset features two 1.41-inch micro-OLED panels, one for each eye.
c. The displays have a density of 4,000 pixels per inch (PPI), which indicates high pixel density for sharp and detailed visuals.
d. The maximum brightness of the displays exceeds 5,000 nits, ensuring vibrant and bright imagery.
Field of View (FOV):
a. The Vision Pro offers a field of view of 120 degrees, which is significantly wider than the FOV of Meta's Quest 2.
b. A higher FOV suggests that the headset's lenses cover a larger portion of the user's field of view, contributing to a more immersive AR and VR experience.
Interpupillary Distance (IPD) Adjustment:
a. The IPD, which represents the distance between a person's eyes, can be adjusted on the Vision Pro headset.
b. The headset incorporates a flexible knitted frame that allows users to customize the IPD to their individual measurements.
c. This adjustment is important because everyone has a different IPD, and a well-fitted AR/VR headset should accommodate their specific distance.
Prescription Lens Support:
a. The Vision Pro supports prescription lens inserts, eliminating the need for users to wear glasses while using the headset.
b. This feature enhances comfort and convenience for individuals who require corrective lenses, ensuring an optimal fit during usage.
What is Apple Vision Pro - FAQs
The Apple Vision Pro is set to be released in the United States in the first quarter of 2024, with availability in other countries expected later in the year.
The Apple Vision Pro has a retail price of $3,499.
The Apple Vision Pro offers a field of view of 120 degrees, providing users with a wide and immersive visual experience.
Yes, the Apple Vision Pro supports prescription lens inserts, allowing users to enjoy the headset without the need to wear glasses.