Apple has announced their Vision Pro headset, the world’s first “spatial computer,” will launch in the US on February 2, with preorders open next week.
Long-rumoured, Apple’s biggest new product since the iPad was officially announced last June at the Worldwide Developers Conference, with a vague release window set for sometime in early 2024. With the holidays behind us and CES 2024 kicking off, Apple has confirmed the US will receive this innovative new toy first, and perhaps earlier than we might have expected.
Described as “a revolutionary spatial computer,” the Vision Pro headset might resemble other high-end virtual reality devices at first blush. However, behind its lens it “transforms how people work, collaborate, connect, relive memories, and enjoy entertainment” by seamlessly blending digital content with the physical world. Your digital desktop can be displayed across your literal desktop when wearing it, becoming an “infinite canvas” where you can place your most important apps side-by-side at any scale.
Users can utilize various input methods, like flicking a wrist to scroll or tapping a finger to select, a virtual keyboard, speaking (either commands, or dictation), or even eye gestures. Siri is incorporated to open or close apps, play media, and more.
The Vision Pro promises to be more than a productivity tool as well. Users can experience truly immersive multimedia experiences in ultra-high-resolution, with a micro-OLED display that provides more pixels than a 4K TV for each eye. Existing apps like Disney+ will be supported out of the gate, while Apple TV+ will go above and beyond with the new Apple Immersive Video format—putting viewers “inside” the action in 180-degree, three-dimensional 8K recordings with Spatial Audio.
Apple Arcade will take advantage of Vision Pro’s new presentation format as well. New spatial games like Game Room and What The Golf? will “transform the space around players” to create unique experiences, while current hits on the Arcade like Sonic Dream Team can be played on a screen as large as you’d like.
“The era of spatial computing has arrived. Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created. Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore.” – Tim Cook, Apple CEO
One of the most curious applications of the Vision Pro is its spatial photos videos. Spatial video captured on the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max can be relived in life-size scale on the headset. It sounds like something out of a movie, stepping into one’s own memories by rewatching a home video, or seeing a panorama you took on your vacation as though you were still standing on that spot.
The headset itself includes Apple’s first three-dimensional camera to take those spatial captures, and might revolutionize the way we take FaceTime calls by creating virtual conference rooms. Of course, all of this comes at the cost of wearing a large headset across your face, but if you wish to be a little more approachable and present for others in the room with you, the transparency of the visor can be adjusted to show them your eyes.
The Apple Vision Pro goes on sale on Friday, February 2 in the United States, with preorders opening two weeks prior on Friday, January 19 at US Apple Store locations and the online store. The headset starts at $3499 USD (approx. $4700 CAD) for 256GB of storage, and includes two band options, other pieces to perfect the fit, battery, and charging cables. There is no word at this time on launch windows for Canada or other regions.
