It's here! Apple unveiled Vision Pro, its first mixed reality headset

By: Elena Shcherban | 05.06.2023, 22:57

Today Apple opened its traditional annual WWDC conference with a presentation of new operating systems and computer models. However, perhaps the main new feature of the day was the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset. Rumours about this headset had been circulating for the last few years and finally the company revealed all the trump cards.

Details

The headset can work with augmented and virtual reality. It is for this headset that Apple has developed its new operating system, VisionOS. It also didn't skimp on the compliments. "Today marks the beginning of a new era for computing," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. - Just as the Mac introduced us to personal computers and the iPhone introduced us to mobile computing, Apple Vision Pro introduces us to spatial computing. Built on decades of Apple innovation, Vision Pro is years ahead of anything that's come before, thanks to a revolutionary new input system and thousands of groundbreaking innovations. This opens up incredible opportunities for our users and exciting new possibilities for our developers.

The headset is designed for productivity, so you can open apps at any scale and stay within the confines of your display. The new App Store includes apps built for visionOS as well as compatible apps for iPhone and iPad. It also comes in handy for entertainment: watching movies and TV shows in 3D with surround sound, playing games, and communicating via FaceTime. FaceTime on Vision Pro can display people life-size during video calls.

Sights, gestures and voice commands are used for control. The headset tracks the user's gaze, understands finger tapping and swiping for scrolling or making selections, thanks to a large number of sensors. And Optic ID technology recognises the iris of the eye to identify the wearer and unlock the device.

The Apple Vision Pro features glass in the front, a lightweight aluminium body, two microLED displays with over 4K resolution, a 3D camera, a Digital Crown wheel and two chips: M2 and R1, designed to process sensor data in real time. The battery isn't built into the case, but is attached to the side using a magnetic connection.

Here's What It Costs

The Apple Vision Pro costs from $3499. Sales won't start until early next year and only in Apple retail shops in the US.

Source: Apple