Apple has finally revealed its long-awaited augmented reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, marking its first major hardware launch in nearly a decade.
During the announcement at a developer's conference held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, Apple CEO Tim Cook described the new headset as a seamless integration of the real and virtual worlds.
In addition to the Vision Pro, Apple also announced updates to its MacBook Air and unveiled the latest version of its iPhone operating system, iOS17.
The Vision Pro boasts a battery life of two hours and will be available for purchase in early 2024 at a price of $3,499 (£2,849) in the United States. This price point positions it well above the currently available virtual reality headsets, such as Meta's Quest priced at $449.
While Apple did not provide much information about generative artificial intelligence, a trending technology in Silicon Valley, it emphasized the concept of augmented reality for the Vision Pro.
Differentiating itself from other headsets on the market, the Vision Pro resembles a pair of ski goggles rather than a traditional virtual reality device.
Augmented reality, also known as mixed reality, enables users to superimpose virtual objects onto the real world, allowing for a fusion of reality and virtuality through a screen.
With the Vision Pro, users can engage with applications, watch movies, and create documents within a virtual environment. However, the market demand for such wearable technology remains relatively limited at present.
Hartley Charlton, senior editor of MacRumors, expressed skepticism regarding the widespread appeal of the headset among mainstream consumers, citing its high price point and certain limitations of a first-generation device, such as a separate wired battery pack.
Nonetheless, Apple has a history of overcoming initial doubts and successfully enticing consumers to adopt new gadgets. During the presentation, Cook emphasized that the Vision Pro enables users to experience digital content in their physical space through sight, sound, and interaction.
The headset is controlled through a combination of hand gestures, eye movements, and voice commands, such as tapping fingers together for selection and flicking for scrolling.
Apple's announcement comes shortly after Meta and Lenovo unveiled new iterations of their existing virtual reality headsets, which do not incorporate object superimposition in the real world.
While Meta has also invested significantly in mixed reality, the sector currently faces challenges. According to the International Data Corporation, global sales of headsets experienced a 54% decline in the previous year.
Thomas Husson of Forrester Research believes that the widespread adoption of Apple's new headset may take time, considering the overhyped nature of the AR/VR space in recent years and the concept of the metaverse. However, he highlighted the potential for surprising consumer acceptance, drawing a parallel to the willingness of individuals to pay high prices for mobile phones a decade or two ago.
IOS 17
In addition to the Vision Pro, Apple also unveiled iOS17, the latest iteration of its iPhone operating system. Notable updates include features like "contact posters," which display a picture or image of the caller on the recipient's phone, and "live voicemail," providing real-time transcriptions of voicemail messages.
Moreover, Apple introduced a new system called Check-In, which automatically notifies a friend or family member when the user arrives home. If a significant delay occurs during the journey, Check-In can alert others that the user has not yet reached their destination safely.
The iOS17 operating system is scheduled for release in Autumn 2023.
