Apple is known for innovation, and the Apple Vision Pro VR Headset is an impressive, futuristic addition to their already stellar product lineup. Designed to provide consumers with an immersive virtual reality experience, this headset combines advanced technology with sleek design to deliver a seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem with their signature aesthetic. In this features review, we will explore the key features, user experience, performance, content library, and more.
Pros
- 4K resolution with spatial audio creates a truly immersive experience
- Comfortable design with light-seal to block out ambient light
- The first VR set without handheld controllers—controlled via voice, eye, head, and hand movements
- Basically a Mac computer for your face (powered by the M2 chip used in Mac computers)
- Records spatial video and audio, and a whole lot more
Cons
- Not accessible for many in price—it costs as much as some of Apple’s new computers
- Designing and developing new spatial computing apps for VisionOS may be costly and take time for third-party developers, so apps may be somewhat limited at first
A quick note about that price. Yes, the price is high, and off the charts for many, but despair not. The Apple Vision Pro isn’t shipping for 6 months, and when it does, most likely the vast majority will be purchased by content developers. For them, it’s a very reasonable business expense. In addition, these days there are millions who can afford even $3,499, who will buy up all the rest Apple can build in year one.
But looking out a year or so later, when there is a whole lot of crazy, awesome content for just about everything, including a whole lot of things that are not even on our radar yet. That will put demand through the roof (unless you really think AR/VR/Metaverse is going nowhere), and with that massive demand, the prices will surely plummet. While we have no handy crystal ball, nor handy Wizards or Witches, to accurately anticipate the future pricing, it would certainly seem possible that by early 2025—one year after release—that the cost could be down to $999! If not that, certainly $1,499 seems totally reasonable, but I’m betting on $999 (certainly by the end of 2025). After all, four years ago, my editor bought his OLED TV for $5K, and 6.5 years ago, it was $20K. Got to dig those falling prices.
A hardcore gamer, writer, and filmmaker myself, my editor and I both can’t wait to own a Vision Pro. Read on to find out why.
The Tech of the Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro is truly a whole new level of virtual reality. From the design, to technology, to the feature set, it’s a VR headset that combines the best of virtual reality into one device that suits creatives in work, play, and entertainment. It’s not just for creatives, though. It’s for the everyday consumer, too. The price-tag is higher than the other VR headsets out there, but with good reason. The design and tech of the device, the things it can do, and its comfortable wear, makes it revolutionary.
A Vision for the Future: VisionOS and the Features of the Apple Vision Pro
Apple’s macOS, iOS, and iPadOS laid the foundation for the new visionOS. The dream Apple has for their VR headset is to bring spatial computing to the masses. The Apple Vision Pro doesn’t just layer your digital content over your physical space—it blends in, creating a seamless virtual reality experience where you can use apps you would typically use on your computer, iPad, and iPhone, as well as all new ones specifically for visionOS.
The Apple Vision Pro is controlled using your eyes, head, hands, and voice to navigate the experience, whether you’re here for work, creativity, entertainment, or connection. Looking at an element, tapping your fingers to select, using the virtual keyboard or dictation to type, and using Siri to open apps, visionOS combines an intuitive user experience with leading edge technology.
You also stay connected to the world around you with EyeSight, which shows your eyes and lets those around you know when you’re fully immersed, using apps, or not, so you don’t have to take the headset off to see people when you speak to them in person, and they can see your eyes as well.
