Latest Updates on Apple's Vision Pro: Release Date, Price, Specifications, and News.

Apple Vision Pro release date price specifications updates : Get Ready for Apple's Debut Mixed Reality Headset Arrival.

Apple has unveiled its groundbreaking mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. Discover our initial impressions in the hands-on review, and anticipate experiencing the innovation at your nearest Apple Store soon.

Before delving into the upcoming debut of the Apple Vision Pro on February 2, it's crucial to clarify one key aspect — when we talk about mixed reality, we mean exactly that. Despite its appearance as a potential top-tier VR headset, the Apple Vision Pro isn't crafted to fully immerse you in a virtual realm. Thanks to features like EyeSight and Digital Persona, it ensures that you stay connected with the real world, and vice versa.

However, these revolutionary features come with a hefty price tag. Priced at $3,499, the Apple Vision Pro stands as the most expensive mainstream headset, whether it's virtual reality or mixed reality. In terms of release, Apple has mentioned it will be accessible in early 2024, and a glance at the calendar confirms that's precisely the current timeframe.

Wondering about the Apple Vision Pro? Well, it's en route for a February launch, and here's all the information we have.

The Latest Updates on Apple Vision Pro (Updated as of January 23)

• We got a hands-on experience with the Apple Vision Pro just before it hits the shelves. Here are 10 key details you should be aware of.

• Preorders are now open, and as they roll out, details about the configurations and accessories of the Apple Vision Pro have surfaced – and they come with a hefty price tag.

• Soon, Apple Stores will be offering free demos of the Apple Vision Pro on a 'first-come, first-served' basis, allowing users to experience it firsthand.

• Apple has officially announced that the Apple Vision Pro is set to be released on February 2.

Essential Information about the Apple Vision Pro

• The Apple Vision Pro comes with a price tag of $3,499 in the U.S., and it will initially be available only in the U.S. starting February 2, with availability in other countries coming later.

• Inside the headset, twin 4K displays offer outstanding HDR picture quality. However, if you wear glasses, custom Zeiss inserts are necessary.

• EyeSight utilizes a front display to indicate to others whether you are interacting with them or fully immersed in the headset experience.

• The visionOS enables 3D experiences unique to the Vision Pro. A dedicated Vision Pro App Store will feature iOS and iPadOS apps, alongside visionOS apps.

• The headset features a crown on the top, allowing users to control the level of immersion, ranging from augmented reality to virtual reality.

• Dispensing with controllers, the headset relies on eye and hand tracking, supplemented by voice commands.

• Capture spatial photos and videos effortlessly with a simple tap of a button, with EyeSight notifying those around you that you're capturing a moment.

• Disney is an official partner with the Vision Pro, working on exclusive experiences for the headset. This includes content related to Disney World, Marvel games, and more.

The Cost of the Apple Vision Pro

As disclosed in Apple's June presentation at the WWDC keynote, the Apple Vision Pro is set to be priced at $3,499 upon its launch. Initially, the availability will be limited to the U.S., and pricing details for other countries are yet to be disclosed.

For the price of $3,499, the package includes a device with 256GB of storage, a battery, a USB-C charging brick and cable, a light seal, 2 light seal cushions, a cover for the front of the headset, and two band options. If you wear glasses or contacts, you'll need to purchase an additional pair of lenses to use the Apple Vision Pro. Zeiss offers both readers ($99) and prescription lenses ($149) that attach to the Vision Pro's interior magnetically.

Pre-orders for the Apple Vision Pro are set to commence on January 19 at 8 a.m. EST/5 a.m. PST. Earlier, Apple allowed users to sign up for notifications to stay informed about the start of these pre-orders.

Talks about a more affordable version of the headset are surfacing, with rumors of the Apple Vision Pro 2 already making the rounds. Initially, there was a leak detailing a headset quite similar to its predecessor. However, recent rumors indicate the possibility of up to four new Vision headset models that might serve as direct replacements for the first-generation model. It's worth noting that the Apple Vision Pro hasn't even been released yet.

The prospect of a more affordable version of the Vision Pro from Apple would indeed be welcomed news. The existing Vision Pro faces significant challenges in the supply chain, primarily due to the expensive displays it features. If Apple introduces a cheaper variant, it's likely that the costly displays would be replaced, potentially alleviating these supply chain constraints. A rumor suggests that Sony, the manufacturer of the headset's Micro OLED displays, can only produce 100,000 to 200,000 displays per quarter. This limitation implies that Apple might be restricted to manufacturing only 400,000 headsets annually, given the premium displays it has opted for.

It appears that the estimate of 400,000 units might be accurate. A report from the Financial Times indicates that Apple has adjusted its initial sales target for the first year from 1 million units to – coincidentally – 400,000 units. Achieving an install base of 20 million users in 5 years, as some analysts predict, could become a considerable challenge for Apple with this revised target. Nevertheless, this hasn't deterred Apple from allegedly projecting sales of 10 million units by 2026.

The Launch Date of the Apple Vision Pro

The Apple Vision Pro has now been given an official release date by Apple, and it's set for February 2. This confirmation aligns with several earlier reports hinting at an impending launch in the early months of 2024.

As previously mentioned, at its release, the Vision Pro will only be available to U.S. customers, though other countries are expected to get a rollout not too long after the U.S. launch. That global launch is now reportedly set for 2025.

Once it's out, you'll have to visit an Apple store to make a purchase. During Apple's FYQ4 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook mentioned that the Vision Pro will be exclusively available in their stores. He emphasized that the purchasing process will be distinct from the usual grab-and-go method, with in-store demos offered for customers.

There you have it – if you're interested in getting your hands on the Apple Vision Pro, mark your calendar to visit your local Apple store starting February 2.

The Design of the Apple Vision Pro

Upon initial inspection, the Apple Vision Pro appears relatively similar to traditional VR headsets or mixed reality devices like the Meta Quest Pro. Yet, upon activation, distinctive features set it apart.

Notably, the visor's front showcases a display beneath a curved 3D laminated glass pane, introducing the EyeSight feature. This technology lets others perceive your eyes, enhancing the sense of interaction. If EyeSight is a must-have for you, opting for the first-generation Apple Vision Pro is recommended, as a cheaper version without this feature is uncertain. Conversely, if EyeSight isn't appealing, waiting for a potential future model without it might be worthwhile.

The glass pane also functions as a lens for the Vision Pro's extensive camera array, which includes 12 cameras and six microphones. This array eliminates the need for external controllers, relying instead on eye tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands for control.

Beyond the display, Apple's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the mixed reality headset's design. The custom aluminum alloy frame, curved to fit the face, combines with a modular design for the Light Seal, ensuring a snug fit. The Light Seal, acting as a facial interface, comes in various shapes and sizes, featuring a soft fabric for enhanced comfort during use.

The Head Band, available in different sizes, is made of 3D knitted fabric and attaches via a simple locking mechanism. This area also houses the "audio pods" or speakers, providing Personalized Spatial Audio for an immersive experience.

Two buttons adorn the top of the headset: an action button for spatial photos and videos, with EyeSight signaling when in use, and a crown similar to the Apple Watch. The crown controls the level of immersion while donning the headset and is utilized for the Vision Pro's Cinema Environments, offering 13 background options for movie watching on a simulated 100-foot screen.

A notable design feature is the Vision Pro's all-day use when plugged in, requiring an external battery otherwise. This external battery, potentially named the '**Magic Battery**,' provides around two hours of usage and connects to the headset via a woven cable. Notably, a proprietary Apple charger is necessary, with a USB-C adapter spotted in a WWDC developer video, although its accessibility to all users remains unclear at this point.

The Display Features of the Apple Vision Pro

The display technology of the Apple Vision Pro outshines anything offered by Meta. It boasts two Micro OLED 4K displays, one for each eye. Following a leak post-WWDC, it's estimated that these 4K displays will have a resolution of 3800 x 3000 per eye once Apple releases its official spec sheet.

Despite being the size of a postage stamp, each display achieves incredible pixel density. The combined pixel count of the two 4K displays is 23 million, which Apple claims is 64 times the pixel density of an iPhone. This impressive display technology positions the Apple Vision Pro as a superior choice over the Meta Quest Pro, at least on paper.

For those interested in understanding more about Micro OLED technology and its suitability for small VR headset displays, a Micro OLED explainer is available to explore how it works, its advantages, disadvantages, and more.

Apple highlights that the twin displays feature "wide color and high dynamic range," although it's unclear whether this means support for HDR content formats like HDR10 or Dolby Vision. Thanks to the new R1 chip developed by Apple, content reaches these displays in just 12 milliseconds. The refresh rate for 2D content is 90Hz, with the ability to peak at 96Hz for 24fps-created content.

However, if you wear glasses, there's some unfortunate news. Due to its design, the Apple Vision Pro is not compatible with glasses. Instead, Apple has partnered with Zeiss to provide optical inserts as a replacement for glasses while using the headset. Readers will cost $99, and prescription lenses will be an additional $149 on top of the regular $3,499 pricing. Zeiss has launched its own site for the Apple Vision Pro inserts.

Additionally, a sneak peek into a potential design for the display of a future iteration of the Vision Pro was unveiled in a patent application. This design involves a liquid display using actuators, pumps, and reservoirs to form and deform lenses within flexible and/or rigid walls. While not applicable to the current edition of the Vision Pro, it presents a futuristic possibility that could eliminate the need for custom Zeiss inserts in the future.

The Applications and Operating System of the Apple Vision Pro

At last year's WWDC, Apple unveiled not only the Apple Vision Pro but also a brand-new operating system tailored specifically for the Vision Pro—visionOS. This OS is designed to enable developers to create apps specifically for the mixed reality headset, introducing innovative features to enhance user experience.

A standout feature of visionOS is EyeSight, which can either be the most impressive or potentially eerie aspect of the Vision Pro headset. EyeSight displays your eyes to the surrounding world or conceals them when you're fully immersed in the headset. If you're engrossed in an app or workflow, EyeSight gradually brings you back to the physical world when someone enters your direct line of sight. As that person becomes visible on the twin 4K displays, your eyes simultaneously reappear on the front display of the Vision Pro.

Rumors have circulated about a camera on the set of an unannounced Apple TV Plus show, suggesting Apple might be producing shows or movies designed for the Vision Pro, taking advantage of its wide field of vision. One potential show is "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," a Godzilla TV series reportedly shot using a 180-degree camera.

The Vision Pro emphasizes staying connected to the physical space, even while allowing users to adjust the crown on the headset for a more immersive virtual experience. visionOS aligns with this philosophy, creating a 3D user interface that responds to natural light, casts shadows, and enables apps to be expanded and moved with simple hand gestures.

A reported "Visual Search" feature lets Vision Pro users gather information about real-world objects, displaying text about those items in their field of view. Users can copy and paste this text into various apps and translate it into 17 languages.

While native visionOS apps are still limited, the Vision Pro is compatible with iOS and iPad OS apps, significantly expanding its available options through a unified App Store. Notably, popular services like Netflix will bypass native VisionOS treatment, directing users to watch content on the native iPad app.

Apple demonstrated how apps operate on the Vision Pro, showcasing features like viewing photos in a massive display, immersive experiences with mindfulness apps, and watching movies and shows on a theater-sized screen through Apple TV Plus and Disney Plus.

Although the Vision Pro isn't primarily designed for high-end VR gaming, it supports over 100 games from Apple Arcade, including titles like NBA 2K. Bluetooth controllers can also be used since the Apple Vision Pro doesn't have first-party controllers.

Unity's PolySpatial tool serves as a partner for game developers, allowing them to port existing VR games or create new experiences for the Vision Pro. However, Unity's recent introduction of install fees for games has raised concerns among developers, potentially impacting Apple's collaboration with Unity on the Vision Pro platform.

Beyond gaming, the Apple Vision Pro offers access to familiar productivity apps commonly used on other Apple devices. Safari, for instance, can be viewed on a large display, with the option to expand it to see all open tabs simultaneously. FaceTime is also available, allowing users to move video feeds to one side of the display while keeping other apps in view.

In a unique twist, when using FaceTime on the Vision Pro, the real version of the user won't be visible. Instead, the device generates a Digital Persona to represent the user, simulating facial expressions and hand movements. There are indications that this Digital Persona feature might extend to the Apple Watch based on a patent application.

One significant productivity enhancement is the ability to expand the display of a Mac into a larger 4K display by simply looking at a compatible machine. This wireless feature allows users to view content in the same visual format as other visionOS apps. The Vision Pro is compatible with Bluetooth devices like the Magic Keyboard or Magic Trackpad, but it also includes onboard tools for productivity, such as voice and sight control and a virtual keyboard.

For those who want to work or relax during travel, the Vision Pro offers a dedicated feature called Travel Mode, spotted in the visionOS developer beta. This mode is designed to enhance the experience of using the Vision Pro on a plane by toning down or disabling some of the headset's awareness features to accommodate the confined space.

The Vision Pro is set to offer not just one, but several unique modes, according to insights from the developer beta for visionOS. Among these is a Guest Mode, allowing users to lend the headset to friends and family while safeguarding personal data.

Apple has also secured a patent for a potential "privacy cloak" feature. This innovation could enable Vision Pro wearers to engage in private conversations within a "computer-generated reality." While its inclusion in the Vision Pro's launch is uncertain, it remains an intriguing aspect to watch for.

However, certain features are reserved for future iterations of the Apple Vision Pro. Multiple Mac desktops displayed in the headset, FaceTime with multiple Digital Personas, and access to Apple Fitness Plus are among the anticipated features for a second-generation headset.

For a glimpse into how visionOS might appear, an unexpected source provides insight. Supernova Technologies managed to showcase visionOS on a Meta Quest Pro, offering a surprising look at the new OS in action. Nevertheless, practical use is limited, as the apps do not function, and setting up this visual demo requires technical expertise.

Another unique experience on the horizon for the Vision Pro is the potential inclusion of NBA games in mixed reality. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that the league is collaborating with Apple to bring a technology-enhanced viewing experience to its upcoming headset.

Accessories for the Apple Vision Pro

With preorders now available, the product page for the Vision Pro has unveiled the different configurations and accessories for Apple's headset. As expected, opting for additional features and accessories comes at an additional cost.

If you choose to upgrade your Vision Pro's storage to 512GB, the price rises to $3,699, and opting for 1TB will set you back $3,899. (The base model, priced at $3,499, includes 256GB of storage.) For those on the move, a travel case designed for on-the-go sessions is available at $199. Alternatively, you can enhance the Vision Pro's external battery pack with a $49.95 Belkin battery holder that conveniently clips onto your belt. Additionally, optical inserts are available starting at $99 for readers, while prescription lenses are priced at $149. Both options, made by Zeiss, attach to the Vision Pro's interior magnetically, addressing the need for users who cannot wear glasses with the Vision Pro, unlike the Meta Quest.

Explore the complete range of accessories available for the Apple Vision Pro listed below:

• Travel case: $199

• Extra battery: $199

• Zeiss Optical Inserts: Starting at $99, pricing may vary based on prescription type

• Extra light seal: $199

• Extra light seal cushion: $29

• Belkin battery holder: $49.95

• Extra solo knit band: $99

• Extra dual loop band: $99

• Extra charging cable: $19 for 1m cable, $29 for 2m cable

• Extra power brick: $39

Rumored Specifications for Apple's Mixed Reality VR/AR Headset

The Apple Vision Pro, previewed last year, reveals key features that make it stand out. Externally, the headset boasts 12 cameras, six microphones, and five sensors, enabling intuitive control through eye tracking, hand tracking, and voice commands. Inside, LED lights create invisible patterns for eye-tracking assistance and power Optic ID, the Vision Pro's Face ID equivalent.

Powered by Apple silicon, the Vision Pro relies on an M2 chip for substantial processing while introducing a new R1 chip to manage sensor inputs and prevent display lag. The R1 chip maintains a low input lag of approximately 12ms for the twin 4K Micro OLED displays.

As the launch date approaches, Apple confirms the Vision Pro will feature 256GB of storage. The inclusion of spatial audio, facilitated by speakers on each side near the Head Band connection, enhances the overall experience. Apple's advanced Spatial Audio system, integrated into the audio pods, allows for fine-tuning based on individual head and ear characteristics.

Beyond the spec sheet, Apple aims to seamlessly integrate the Vision Pro into its device ecosystem. There are potential plans to upgrade the ultrawide-band chip in the iPhone 15 to a 7nm chip, ensuring enhanced power efficiency when paired with the Vision Pro.

Spatial Video Capabilities of the Apple Vision Pro

In the iOS 17.2 update released in late 2023, users of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are now equipped to capture spatial videos in immersive 3D, tailored for later viewing on Apple's upcoming mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro. While the full-scale experience awaits the release of the Vision Pro, users can engage in 3D video recording by activating the Spatial Video option (Settings > Camera > Formats > Video Capture).

Here's the breakdown: The iPhone 15 Pro utilizes its 13mm ultrawide and 48MP main cameras in landscape mode (requiring a horizontal phone orientation) to capture side-by-side videos. These videos, when later viewed on the Vision Pro, transform into a personalized VR experience. As per the Settings app in the latest iOS 17.2 beta update, the recording process involves capturing two 1080p, 30fps videos simultaneously, addressing lens and distance variations through computational photography.

With iOS 17.2 in play, all users of the latest iPhones can commence building a collection of personal memories, ready to be revisited in 3D on the Vision Pro. Early adopters who have had the opportunity to witness their spatial videos played back on an Apple Vision Pro are expressing enthusiasm about the immersive experience.

Battery Features of the Apple Vision Pro

One significant drawback of the Apple Vision Pro, apart from its astronomical price, is its reliance on external attachments for functionality. Unlike standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3, which can operate independently or connect to a PC, the Vision Pro needs to be tethered to a power source.

Fortunately, users have two options. Firstly, they can connect the headset and use it continuously throughout the day. However, it remains unclear whether this setup works when the headset is plugged into a Mac or MacBook; the assumption is that a direct wall connection may be necessary.

For those uninterested in a constant power connection, there's an alternative. Apple has introduced an external battery pack, potentially named 'Magic Battery,' which attaches around the temple of the headset using a woven cable.

The positive aspect is that the battery is slim enough to be pocket-friendly, as per Apple's claim. Additionally, there are rumors suggesting the possibility of multiple battery pack sizes for the Vision Pro.

On the downside, the confirmed battery pack offers a mere two hours of usage and appears to require a proprietary charger. Moreover, there's speculation that users might need to purchase it separately, adding an additional cost to the already high $3,499 price tag of the Apple Vision Pro.

Controlling the Apple Vision Pro: Navigating the Features

Apple's Vision Pro headset stands out despite its battery limitations, thanks to its innovative controls. Unlike other VR headsets, the Vision Pro doesn't require separate controllers.

Instead, it utilizes the numerous sensors and cameras embedded in the headset, allowing users to control the device through gestures, eye movements, and voice commands. This departure from traditional controllers could potentially set a new trend in the VR industry, with other developers reportedly considering similar approaches after the Vision Pro's introduction.

The controls are designed to be intuitive and natural. For instance, users can shift the display focus by turning their heads or simulate a mouse click with a simple tap of their fingers. The system encourages a more relaxed posture, allowing users to keep their hands in a natural position rather than holding them up for gestures. Even typing is made easier – users can glance at a search bar and speak to input text effortlessly.

Aside from these novel control methods, the Vision Pro retains two familiar features. Siri, Apple's renowned voice assistant, is integrated into the headset. Additionally, the device supports a variety of Bluetooth products, including controllers like the PS5 DualSense and Apple peripherals like the Magic Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackpad. This diverse range of control options provides users with flexibility based on their preferences, whether they prefer gestures, voice commands, or traditional peripherals.

Comparing Apple's Vision Pro and Apple Glass: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Reports suggest that Apple's mixed reality headset, now known as the Apple Vision Pro, was intended to serve as a precursor to the upcoming Apple Glass.

After the official unveiling of the Vision Pro, it becomes evident that Apple aimed for a genuine mixed reality device rather than a traditional VR headset. The Vision Pro incorporates features like EyeSight, allowing others to see your eyes during use, resembling an AR glasses experience.

From what we've gathered, Apple envisions the Apple Glass as a lightweight pair of glasses, deviating from the Vision Pro's design. The goal is to create glasses that appear ordinary but can project information, possibly imagery, onto the lenses. However, there's a potential delay in the Apple Glass project due to technical challenges, meaning it might take some time before it hits the market.

For those unsure about the distinctions between mixed reality, augmented reality, and virtual reality, there's an explainer available detailing what mixed reality entails and the plans that companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Apple have for it.