Isn’t that what we always dreamed of? Apple’s first new major device in nearly ten years is a new AR or mixed reality headset called “Apple Vision Pro.” This new device is “a revolutionary spatial computer that seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world, while allowing users to stay present and connected to others.” It sounds like a bit of a headache to us, but on the plus side, it does let you look like a futuristic beetle. Guilty as charged, our eyes are already glued to our iPhone’s much of the time, but we’re not sure if having those capabilities literally on our eyes will hinder or hurt. Here’s Apple’s introductory video for AR headset. Apple released the device as part of WWDC23 and has most recently confirmed the release date for this piece of technology. Here’s what the Apple Vision Pro can do.
What Is Apple Vision Pro?
According to Apple, Vision Pro “creates an infinite canvas for apps that scales beyond the boundaries of a traditional display and introduces a fully three-dimensional user interface controlled by the most natural and intuitive inputs possible — a user’s eyes, hands, and voice.” And has visionOS, “the world’s first spatial operating system.” The company shares that this will bring digital content into the real world in a whole new way. Apparently it will make digital content look and feel more like it is present in actual reality. But don’t worry, if someone approaches, the device will become transparent—allowing you to interact with the real world if that’s what you want.
Fun with This AR Headset
Among other things, VisionPro also also gives you infinite screen real estate, which, again, sounds vaguely like a threat, and brings all your favorite apps to life around you to allow for even more productivity…
The Vision Pro will also have space for fun, though. The product’s description shares:
With two ultra-high-resolution displays, Apple Vision Pro can transform any space into a personal movie theater with a screen that feels 100 feet wide and an advanced Spatial Audio system. Users can watch movies and TV shows, or enjoy stunning three-dimensional movies. Apple Immersive Video offers 180-degree high-resolution recordings with Spatial Audio, and users can access an exciting lineup of immersive videos that transport them to entirely new places.
Over 100 Apple Arcade games will be available to play on the Vision Pro at launch. And the Disney+ app will be available on Apple Vision Pro from “Day One.” It looks like there will be some new capabilities on the Vision Pro, such as watching games from different angles and learning more information about the content viewed while watching. Users will also be able to access their photos via the Vision Pro and view them at life-size scale. We do smell a Black Mirror episode coming. But we can’t help but wonder will Din Grogu look even cuter via this device?
3D Disney Movies and More
Let’s dig a little deeper into the Disney+ and movie-watching capabilities of the Apple Vision Pro. New information reveals that users will be able to access 3D Disney+ movies at home via the AR headset. A release notes:
Disney’s storytelling will also leap off the screen like never before with remarkable depth and clarity for an unprecedented in-home 3D experience on Disney+ with Apple Vision Pro. Viewers will be able to watch dozens of popular movies in 3D, like Avatar: The Way of Water, Avengers: Endgame, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Elemental, and Encanto. More titles, including those available exclusively to Disney+ subscribers, will be announced at a later date. Apple Vision Pro users can also rent or purchase most 3D movies through the Store tab in the Apple TV app. Users who previously purchased Disney movies that include 3D versions from the Apple TV app will be able to access those 3D versions on Apple Vision Pro at no additional cost.
For those looking for a little extra, Disney shares that “at launch, viewers can transform their space into one of four Disney+ environments, bringing them even closer to the story. Each environment includes animations and sounds that make the space feel alive, and Easter eggs from films and franchises that will surprise and delight fans.”
These environments include:
- The Disney+ Theater, inspired by the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
- The Scare Floor from Pixar’s Monsters Inc.
- Marvel’s Avengers Tower overlooking downtown Manhattan
- The cockpit of Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder, facing a binary sunset on the planet Tatooine from the Star Wars galaxy.
Additionally, Variety reveals that you can rent or purchase non-Disney 3D movies for the Apple Vision Pro via the Apple TV app. Titles mentioned include Dune, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. At launch, there will be more than 150 3D movies available for at-home viewing.
When Will Apple Vision Pro Release and What Does It Cost?
Apple Vision Pro officially has a release date. Apple has revealed that pre-orders for the device will begin on January 19, 2024. The Apple Vision Pro itself will release on February 2, 2024. But make sure you read all the details… especially those concerning the price tag. If you want Apple Vision Pro, the new device will begin at $3,499. But can you really put a price on forgetting reality exists?
Originally published on June 5, 2023.
