In a highly anticipated move, Apple is gearing up for the preorders of its groundbreaking product, the Apple Vision Pro, after years of speculations and delays. As the tech giant steps into the realm of augmented reality, here’s a comprehensive overview of what consumers can expect from this ambitious venture.
The Launch and Price
Online preorders for the Apple Vision Pro are set to commence on January 19 at 5 am PST, with the actual release scheduled for February 2. However, the launch is expected to be atypical, with a limited number of units available initially, a strategy Apple employs due to the device’s hefty starting price of $3,499. Despite the steep cost, Apple distinguishes the Vision Pro as a “spatial computing” device rather than a traditional VR or AR headset.
Apple has taken measures to ensure a unique retail experience, providing intensive training to employees for in-store consultations on fitting and prescription lenses. Reports suggest a 25-minute demo will follow these consultations, enhancing the consumer’s understanding of the device. The online preordering process includes remote assessments based on TrueDepth sensor array technology.
Supply chain analysts anticipate a high demand and low supply scenario, projecting initial production numbers between 60,000 and 80,000 units, leading to potential delays and wait times for consumers. The limited supply is expected to be exacerbated by the device’s prohibitive cost, which may deter a portion of potential buyers.
The Hardware
The Apple Vision Pro boasts two main chips, the M2 and the R1, providing enhanced CPU and GPU capabilities compared to other standalone mixed reality headsets. The 5 nm M2, akin to the one found in the base Mac mini, features 10 GPU cores and 8 CPU cores. The device’s aluminum-and-glass structure houses two micro-OLED displays, each managing 23 million pixels, offering superior brightness, contrast, and HDR support. Notably, the Vision Pro’s display quality surpasses its potential competitors, such as the Meta Quest 3.
The inclusion of a LiDAR scanner, front-facing cameras, and infrared flood illuminators contributes to the device’s advanced capabilities, allowing for 3D mapping of the user’s surroundings and hand-tracking in low-light conditions. Unlike some competitors, the Vision Pro incorporates visible active cooling, although user reports indicate a lack of noticeable fan noise during usage.
The device comes with a variety of accessories, including a solo knit band, a dual loop band, light seals, cushions, a cover, a USB-C power adapter, a USB-C cable, and an external iPhone-sized battery pack. The battery life poses a limitation, with the initial claim of 2 hours, potentially extending to 2.5 hours for specific use cases, such as video playback. External power options through USB-C connections remain available.
Apps and Games
Apple aims to launch a specialized app store for the Vision Pro, with preinstalled apps such as Safari, Notes, Photos, TV, Music, and Mail. Developers have begun submitting apps for visionOS, the device’s operating system, indicating a growing ecosystem for spatial computing. Existing iPad apps are expected to work on visionOS as floating windows, although the user experience may depend on developers’ efforts to adapt their apps to the new platform.
Also Read: Apple Invites Customers to Demo $3,500 Vision Pro at Stores Ahead of Release.
Confirmed apps for the launch window include Algoriddim’s djay app, Apple’s iWork suite, Slack, WebEx, PowerPoint, OmniPlan, Fantastical, and JigSpace. Apple Arcade games, approximately 250, will be available for play on a 2D virtual screen, supporting Bluetooth controllers. Additionally, immersive 3D games, including titles like Game Room, What the Golf?, and Super Fruit Ninja, are expected, with the likelihood of Meta Quest developers porting their games to the platform.
TV Shows and Movies
The Vision Pro’s unique selling point lies in its ability to provide a 4K TV or movie theater experience, regardless of the user’s physical location. The device adjusts aspect ratios and frame rates to match the content, offering an immersive viewing experience. Subscription-based streaming services such as Disney+, Max, and Apple TV+ will be available, along with support for 3D movies.
A notable addition is Apple Immersive Videos, 8K 3D videos with a 180-degree field of vision and Spatial Audio support. These short non-narrative videos aim to transport users to natural wonders and other captivating locations. Apple justifies the device’s high price by presenting it as a comprehensive replacement for an iPad, computer monitor, and 4K TV.
Conclusion
As the Apple Vision Pro prepares for its debut, the limited supply and premium pricing raise questions about its immediate market impact. This launch appears to be a trial run, targeting developers to create a robust ecosystem that may pave the way for a more consumer-friendly model in the future. Potential buyers, whether developers or enthusiasts, are advised to carefully consider the preordering process, as demand may outstrip supply initially, leading to potential delays. Only time will tell if Apple’s gamble on the Vision Pro will pay off in the competitive landscape of augmented reality devices.