The Vision Pro marks Apple’s inaugural mixed-reality device, equipped with a unique feature for passthrough video of the user’s eyes. This groundbreaking headset introduces an all-new operating system, visionOS, that operates with a three-dimensional interface. Unconfined by traditional screen limitations, users can now adjust apps to any scale and position them freely in their space, immersing themselves within a broader environment. As stated by Apple, this innovation marks the onset of “spatial computing”.
The Home view of the Vision Pro appears to hover within the world, enabling users to feel genuinely present in their surroundings. Users can control the device using a combination of their eyes, hands, and voice. The headset employs eye-tracking technology, while finger tapping and flicking allow for scrolling and selection.
An intriguing feature of the headset, named “EyeSight”, provides passthrough video of a user’s eyes, giving observers a unique perspective of the wearer’s view. Using a lenticular OLED display, the correct perspective is offered to anyone looking at the wearer.
Users can link the Vision Pro to their Mac, thereby expanding the display into a virtual space. This feature also works in conjunction with apps running on the Vision Pro itself.
FaceTime on the Vision Pro allows life-sized video calls. It also offers an optimized viewing experience for photos and videos. The Vision Pro, being Apple’s first 3D camera, provides depth in videos with Spatial Audio.
Apple has partnered with Disney to promote themed experiences for sports, Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, and more, with Disney+ being available upon the device’s launch.
Constructed from polished glass and a lightweight aluminum frame, the Vision Pro embodies sleek design. Its modular system ensures an optimal fit, while magnetic prescription glass inserts cater to glasses-wearing users.
The Vision Pro is powered by Apple’s M2 chip and a new “R1” chip, dedicated to real-time sensor processing.
It is set to launch with a vast array of compatible iPhone and iPad apps, and will also feature a new App Store for exploring apps built for visionOS.
Priced from $3,499, Apple’s Vision Pro will be available early next year in Apple retail stores within the U.S.