Earlier today, I tried the Apple Vision Pro headset for one hour. The punch line is this: This technological marvel is astounding.
Indeed, the paradigm was changing in real time when Steve Jobs debuted the iPhone in 2007.
It was similar to this, but superior.
According to an announcement made by Apple, pre-orders for the $3,499 Vision Pro headset will open on Friday, January 19, 2024, and the headset will be on sale in Apple Stores across the United States on February 2nd. Despite Apple’s nonattendance at CES, the news appears certain to make waves during the conference, which takes place from January 9–12.
This is all the information you need to know about Apple’s virtual reality headset. First off, despite not calling it that, the company refers to it as a “revolutionary spatial computer,” emphasizing that users would be able to remain in the real world while donning the headgear. CEO of Apple Tim Cook discussed how the Vision Pro marks “the beginning of a new era” in his speech at WWDC in June 2023.
We’ve all seen the latest version of the Apple Vision Pro. The way we design user interfaces (UI) may alter as a result of this new technology. Apple Vision Pro creates fresh and intriguing opportunities for mixed reality experiences. However, what does this imply for UI design going forward? Let’s investigate!
Because the Apple Vision Pro has such advanced technology, our engineers at Euphoria XR are experimenting with new gaming concepts. From gesture-based controls to interactive items in the real world, the possibilities are only limited by human inventiveness.
AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality) Headset
What then is this object? Like the Oculus, it functions in part as a virtual reality (VR) headgear and can become opaque, totally obstructing your vision of the outside world.
The main surprise, though, is that the Vision Pro doubles as an augmented reality (AR) headset, allowing you to see your surroundings in real life even when you’re wearing it. Your app, game, or movie’s visuals appear to float inside of your real world.
Apple Vision Pro: Specification And Features
Apple claims that the Vision Pro will “deliver phenomenal compute performance.” To process input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones, it is powered by both an M2 CPU and a new R1 chip. It also removes lag to prevent latency. According to Apple, it can update visuals eight times more quickly than the human eye can blink. Apple claims that the headset “runs virtually silent.” Together, the two ultra-high-resolution screens have 23 million pixels, allowing each to produce a 4K display that has the potential to appear to be 100 feet wide. Text appears sharp from all angles, and 4K quality can be achieved for video rendering.
Each audio pod has two independently amplified drivers that provide Personalised Spatial Audio according to the head and ear geometry of the user. The sound appears to be emanating from the area surrounding you as a result. Moreover, Vision Pro uses audio raytracing to fit the sound into the space. A sophisticated sensor array is also present. A high-performance eye-tracking technology inside the lenses projects invisible light patterns on the wearer’s eyes using cameras and an LED ring. Consequently, the Apple headset utilizes high-performance eye tracking to manage the interface by detecting the direction in which the user is looking. Apart from game controllers, there are no additional external attachments.
In addition, the Vision Pro uses a novel feature called Optic ID to validate transactions and passwords by recognizing the user’s iris. Every piece of data is kept on a specific Secure Enclave processor, just like on the Mac and iPhone. Additionally, a clever function called EyeSight allows you to project your eyes’ right perspective onto those who are staring at you. A visual signal built into EyeSight lets others know when a user is taking a spatial photo or video.
Capacity1
- 256GB
- 512GB
- 1TB
Display
- 23 million pixels
- 3D display system
- Micro‑OLED
- 7.5‑micron pixel pitch
- 92% DCI‑P3
- Supported refresh rates: 90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz
- Supports playback multiples of 24fps and 30fps for judder‑free video
Video Mirroring
Up to 720p AirPlay for mirroring your view in Apple Vision Pro to any AirPlay‑enabled device, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV (2nd generation or later), or AirPlay‑enabled smart TV
Chips
- 8‑core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
- 10‑core GPU
- 16‑core Neural Engine
- 16GB unified memory
- 12‑millisecond photon‑to‑photon latency
- 256GB/s memory bandwidth
Camera
- Stereoscopic 3D main camera system
- Spatial photo and video capture
- 18 mm, ƒ/2.00 aperture
- 6.5 stereo megapixels
Sensors
- Two high‑resolution main cameras
- Six world‑facing tracking cameras
- Four eye‑tracking cameras
- TrueDepth camera
- LiDAR Scanner
- Four inertial measurement units (IMUs)
- Flicker sensor
- Ambient light sensor
Optic ID
- Iris‑based biometric authentication
- Optic ID data is encrypted and accessible only to the Secure Enclave processor
- Secures personal data within apps
- Make purchases from the iTunes Store and App Store
Audio Technology
- Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Personalized Spatial Audio and audio ray tracing
- Six‑mic array with directional beamforming
- Supports H2‑to‑H2 ultra‑low‑latency connection to AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
Audio Playback
Supported formats include AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos
Video Playback
Supported formats include HEVC, MV‑HEVC, H.264, HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG
Battery2
Up to 2 hours of general use
Video watching up to 2.5 hours
Apple Vision Pro can be used while charging the battery
Connectivity and Wireless
- Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Operating System
- vision OS
- Input
- Hands
- Eyes
- Voice
- Supported Input Accessories
- Keyboards
- Trackpads
- Game controllers
- Interpupillary
- Distance (IPD): 51–75 mm
- Device Weight: 21.2–22.9 ounces (600–650 g)
Apple Vision Pro: Hardware Setup
Before you can start shooting aliens, exploring your images, or watching 3-D movies, there is a good deal of setup that needs to be done. First of all, each person’s vision and head shape is unique, so each person’s Vision Pro needs to be put together uniquely. There are three components to this headset:
Actual Computer
The front portion has two small panels that will confront your eyes, an army of sensors, and a curved black glass faceplate. You might need to purchase a set of magnetic, snap-in lens adapters from Zeiss, customized to fit your specific prescription, to suit your unique vision. (Not pictured, incidentally. Perhaps for that reason, the headset “starts at” $3500.)
Light Shield
The “light shield” is a cuff that acts as a divider between your face and the computer. With its three distinct sizes, you can position the screens at any one of three possible angles concerning your students.
The Headbands
There is a top-of-head strap and a stretchy, knit back-of-headband that is surprisingly tall to distribute the pressure over a larger surface area. Additionally, this headband pair is available in three sizes.
Benefits of Apple Vision Pro: The Futuristic Technology
The gadget has many advantages, such as a high-resolution display system, state-of-the-art features like LiDAR and eye and facial tracking, and access control capabilities that facilitate easy and natural interaction. In addition to these features, the headset’s development potential and Apple’s support through an SDK might lead to the creation of an enormous range of experiences and apps, substantially expanding the headset’s potential. All things considered, these advantages position the Apple Vision Pro as an innovative and possibly revolutionary advancement in spatial computing, with uses that can benefit various industries.
Gaming:
When playing games in a completely immersive 3D environment, users can interact with their surroundings and other players at a level that traditional gaming cannot match.
Media Consumption:
The Apple Vision Pro’s high-resolution display and cutting-edge technology make it ideal for viewing films and TV series, as well as for virtual travel and environment exploration.
Communication:
By using video or message apps, users of the headgear can have three-dimensional (3D) conversations with other people.
Virtual Meetings and Events:
Colleagues could hold virtual meetings or attend events in three dimensions using the headset.
Creativity:
Creative professionals may find the Apple Vision Pro’s 3D camera especially helpful as it enables them to take and replay spatial images and films in a way never possible.
Accessibility:
The headset has capabilities that allow you to control it with your hands and eyes.
This Persona avatar appears on the Vision Pro when you are on a FaceTime video call with another person. Since no one wants to see their face obscured by equipment, your 3-D imitation is what people see on their Macs, iPhones, and iPads instead.
I had a conversation with the Persona of an Apple representative on a test FaceTime call. With its flawless replication of her facial emotions, lip movements, eye animation, and other features, it nearly seemed like a live video stream of her face. There was the tiniest trace of Uncanny Valley or rather uncanny foothills. (Apple stated that improvements will be made to this new technology in the eight months leading up to and throughout the release.)
App developers are sure to think of more creative ways to utilize this digital version of you. You should be able to see why Apple’s engineers took so long to complete this headgear by looking at this ridiculous level of detail.
Euphoria XR: Pioneering Futuristic AR/VR Technology to Reach New Horizons in Experiences
Together with Apple Vision Pro, our AR/VR game development firm Euphoria XR offers an extensive and engaging XR experience service that maximizes the capabilities of this amazing headgear. Beyond conventional entertainment and games, Euphoria XR is committed to offering fully immersive, remarkable, and transformative experiences. We are creating personalized AR/VR experiences that cater to a variety of interests and tastes by utilizing the capabilities of the Apple Vision Pro. Whether it is through creative gaming experiences or educational simulations that make learning an immersive experience, our experience service ensures that customers get the most out of their Apple Vision Pro.
Euphoria XR is based on a never-ending quest for innovation. Our group of talented designers, developers, and storytellers works together to push the limits of what is conceivable in the AR/VR space. Because of this dedication to ongoing development, consumers can anticipate a steady supply of innovative, entertaining content that advances along with technology. As a result, the service becomes customized for each user, offering a unique experience exploring the worlds of virtual and augmented reality.
Wrapping Up
Overall, the Vision Pro experience lived up to the nine-minute advertisement. It is astoundingly immersive, scientifically astounding, and visually breathtaking. My lifelong ambition of wearing Apple goggles to watch movies came crashing down.
Was I the only one who noticed? I questioned eight additional journalists about their comfort levels following the demo. After some time, seven others reported feeling uneasy as well. They had also been informed that it might not have been properly adjusted or that they might have received the incorrect “light shield.”
And perhaps it is. Perhaps we hadn’t properly adjusted our straps. Apple may make more changes to the design throughout the next eight months. Maybe there wasn’t enough time to perfect the headset in this assembly-line demo scenario. Whatever the case, for $3500, with just a handful of apps, and with the weight of a half-laptop strapped to your face, this initial iteration of the Apple Vision Pro is not going to be a big seller.
However, we are familiar enough with Apple to predict its strategy: Commence with a 1.0 version that is commended and condemned in equal measure for being unique. Then, over time, keep making small adjustments to the features, specifications, and price until it becomes a hit. The iPhone, iPad, AirPods, and Apple Watch all experienced this. This first Vision Pro appears to be a far more polished device by their standards. It feels like Apple debuted the iPhone X in 2007.
That’s to say, $3500 and a pound and a half will prevent the 2024 model from matching iPhone sales levels from the start. However, no headgear or gadget has ever achieved such a high rating on the wonder scale. (Try to disagree; see if you can.) It creates an incredible demo and gives us great anticipation for 2028.
