Apple’s newest gadget might seem like it’s straight out of a Black Mirror episode, but its potential could be a mainstay in our day-to-day lives in the near future.
When the first pair of AirPods were released at the end of 2016, people thought they were a bizarre invention that only a select few would choose to use. Now, 62% of Gen Z consumers in the United States own a pair – with similar figures for other age groups coming to fruition. Similarly, the Apple Vision Pro might seem like an oddity to many, but could it completely transform different aspects of life, such as productivity, entertainment, and how we connect with each other?
What Is the Apple Vision Pro?
The Apple Vision Pro is what’s called a spatial computer. Essentially, it’s a futuristic wearable device that puts digital content into your physical space, letting you interact with it without an external mouse, keyboard, or other device. The wearer can do anything from browsing the web to checking out an online casino with a variety of slot games to be played, chatting with friends, finding a movie to watch, or getting work done in the most natural way possible – using their hands, eyes, and voice. With the Vision Pro, we’re no longer confined to a 2D screen. We can simply put on the device and transform any environment into a workspace, theater, or social setting.
It does all this through advanced technology comprising several cameras and sensors working together to detect your movements and understand your environment. Meanwhile, the built-in speakers blend rich Spatial Audio with real-world sounds, and instead of projecting virtual images into the world around you, micro-OLED displays deliver those pixels right into each eye.
How Augmented Reality (AR) Has Evolved
Although the seeds were planted a century ago, augmented reality only started becoming popular in the first decade of the 2000s. We saw how Pokémon Go captivated the world with its AR capabilities, research labs and science centers have used it as a tool for experimentation, and the e-commerce industry has improved the shopping experience with it.
Of course, with advancements in hardware, AR naturally evolved to become a much more immersive technology that offered hands-free experiences beyond smartphones. Major companies and startups alike have begun to introduce AR technology into a variety of industries and have crafted their own versions of wearable AR devices – but nothing has quite disrupted the tech world as the Vision Pro has. With a display resolution of 23 million pixels and capabilities and hardware that come together to cost $3,499 per unit, you know you’re in for a one-of-a-kind AR experience.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Apple Vision Pro?
As with any novel technology, the promises are ripe, the technology is fascinating, and the possibilities seem endless, but let’s snap back to reality. Although this wearable device is the spitting image of innovation at the moment, there are limitations to be considered.
Pros
- Immersive experience: There’s no need for a mélange of different gadgets and devices – the Apple Vision Pro can essentially do it all. Its unified interface lets anyone perform tasks right in the AR environment and effortlessly combines the functionalities of multiple devices into just one – that’s user experience at its finest.
- Accessibility: For many of us, the Vision Pro opens up new possibilities by taking full advantage of the best tech out there. For others, it can be a gateway to heightened independence and accessibility. The diverse range of accessibility features, including point-and-hear, voice-over, hearing device support, voice control, and assistive touch, means that people with disabilities can overcome barriers in various ways.
- Countless applications: Its versatility is boundless, being able to revolutionize the way we learn, play video games, collaborate, visualize ideas, shop, and stay connected with loved ones. In turn, we foster a world that is much more efficient and productive.
Cons
- Currently only for English speakers: While Apple products typically support a variety of major languages, the Vision Pro is in its infancy and only supports US English at the moment. For users who are more comfortable using the device in other languages, they’ll have to wait until it becomes compatible.
- Dependency on the Apple ecosystem: The Vision Pro relies on Apple’s broader network of services, devices, and software platforms, meaning it might be limited in terms of third-party applications. For those who prefer a higher level of customizability and personalization, the device might not provide that.
- Weight: Rather than complete a work assignment or watch a movie head-accessory-free, the Vision Pro has to be worn. Although it boasts a personalized fit, it could feel bulky and heavy the longer a user wears it. For potential context, the AirPods Max headphones are around 385g, while the Vision Pro weighs almost double at 600–650g.
- Price point: There’s no question that the Apple Vision Pro is expensive. Coming with a hefty price tag of $3,499 for the base model, it’s not a device that’s accessible to everyone. Although Apple does provide financing options, this technology comes at a steep price.
So, Is It the Future?
The Apple Vision Pro is certainly an industry disruptor – it has pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible and could very well be a valuable player in our everyday lives. As such a groundbreaking piece of technology, it’s earned its stripes as a progressive and promising force. But whether it becomes as widespread as smartphones or laptops, we’ll just have to wait and see.
