Around the world, those who continuously keep tabs on Apple’s future has let out a sigh of relief. During WWDC 2023, Apple finally launched its much-awaited and much-delayed augmented-reality headset. Finally, meet the Apple Vision Pro.

What can the Vision Pro do?

Apple’s next big thing is an augmented-reality headset which users can control with their eyes, hands, and voice. As Tim Cook states in his keynote, the device will define the company’s next step: spatial computing.

The Vision Pro will turn the user’s surroundings into an infinite canvas. Responding to hand movements, users can enlarge and move apps and widgets with a pinch. The apps on the platform will act as real objects which respond to surrounding light and cast shadows.

To increase immersion, the Vision Pro has Environments, a new feature which turns the user’s surroundings into immersive scenes — effectively blocking out distractions. The device itself has a digital crown which controls how immersive the Environment will be.

Now, while immersion is a focus, the Vision Pro will allow users to continue seeing into what’s around them. Even if immersion is set to a max, any person approaching the user will break through the system. A feature, EyeSight, will allow others to see into the inside of the display so they can see the user’s eyes.

What’s under the hood?

Now, under the hood, the Vision Pro features an entirely new design. Each eye will feature 23 million pixels capable with HDR and color fidelity. The optical inserts, with a three-element lens, were built in partnership with Zeiss. It will have audio pods positioned near the ears built with dual drivers to deliver spatially accurate audio.

To capture the user’s surroundings, the device will have twelve cameras, five sensors, and six microphones.

For performance, the device will boast two M2 chipsets and a brand-new chipset, the R1. Naturally, the two M2 chips deliver impressive performance. However, the R1 chipset, running in parallel, will drastically reduce lag between processes, essentially eliminating motion sickness normally attributed to VR headsets.

The design, built with a custom aluminum alloy, carefully wraps around the face. A soft textile flexes and conforms to the individual. Around the frame, the device has a digital crown for navigation and immersion, and a sensor to analyze the user’s surroundings. A thermal design draws air in and out of the system to reduce heat. Finally, speaking of reducing, the device will have a separated, high-performance battery dangling on a wire to reduce weight.

For software, the device introduces the new visionOS for a new platform. It comes with its own App Store with dedicated apps and optimized ones from the iPad and the iPhone. Optic ID adds in security by using the user’s irises to unlock the platform — much like Face ID.

Price and availability

Because the technology is entirely new, the Vision Pro does not come cheap. It will sell for US$ 3,499 and will ship out early next year.

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