After more than six years of rumors, the highly anticipated Apple VR/AR headset, the Vision Pro, has finally arrived. Announced at WWDC eight months ago, the headset is now shipping to customers, promising to revolutionize mixed reality experiences. Apple boldly claims that the Vision Pro is the “most advanced personal electronic device ever.”
Despite its hefty price tag starting at $3,499, pre-orders for the Vision Pro began on January 19 and Apple reportedly sold 200,000 units in the first 10 days. The device features a unique design, with an external battery pack that connects to the headset via a cable, making it noticeably lighter than other VR headsets on the market.
The Vision Pro boasts impressive specs, including two OLED displays with a total of 23 million pixels, Apple’s M2 chip, 12 cameras, five sensors, six microphones, and the voice assistant Siri. The headset runs on a new operating system called VisionOS, offering a seamless integration of Apple apps and services in mixed reality.
One standout feature of the Vision Pro is its immersive video capabilities, allowing users to feel as if they are physically present in the environment where the video is playing. The headset is also compatible with popular streaming services like Disney+, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video.
For work purposes, the Vision Pro can double as a 4K external monitor for a connected Mac, and FaceTime allows for videoconferencing in a collaborative environment. The headset creates a “digital persona” of the wearer for more natural conversations during video calls.
With a starting price of $3,499, the Vision Pro sets itself in a premium category compared to other VR headset manufacturers. Additional storage options and accessories, such as Zeiss Optical Inserts and Apple Care+, are available for an extra cost. It is advised not to wear glasses while using the headset, as it was not designed to accommodate them.
Overall, the Apple Vision Pro offers a fascinating and immersive experience, but there are some flaws that need to be addressed. Stay tuned for more in-depth reviews and insights from ZDNET editors who have had hands-on experience with the device.