Apple on Monday released its new Vision Pro mixed reality headset, a revolutionary spatial computer that seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world according to Apple CEO Tim Cook. Taking on competitors like Microsoft’s Hololens, Meta’s Oculus and Magic Leap, the device is controlled by a user’s eyes, hands and voice inputs and boasts 23 million pixels across two displays, a custom Apple silicon chip and VisionOS, a spatial operating system.
Vision Pro is years ahead and unlike anything created before – with a revolutionary new input system and thousands of groundbreaking innovations, said Cook in a press release. It unlocks incredible experiences for our users and exciting new opportunities for our developers.
The device also includes EyeSight, which allows the user to see other people while also displaying the user’s eyes, taking away the creepiness that often comes with wearing a headset. Apple’s entry into virtual tech may signal a meaningful shift for an otherwise stagnant space, and its release is meaningful for the development of our immersive digital future.
Apple’s Vision Pro shows that the future of the Internet is 3D, said Kenneth Landau, CEO and co-founder of cloud-based metaverse platform Mytaverse. Tim Cook cemented this theory when he compared Vision Pro to the next wave of computing, following the Mac and iPhone.
The device has the potential to transform our future digital landscape, though experts say the device in its current state is not meant for mainstream consumption. Additionally, Apple announced a partnership with The Walt Disney Company, allowing users to interact with Disney sports, shows and movies in a newly-immersive way.
This platform will allow us to bring Disney to our fans in ways that were previously impossible, said Disney CEO Bob Iger during the WWDC presentation.
Cathy Hackl, chief metaverse officer at Journey, believes the Vision Pro will take entertainment and communications to the next level.
It’s a supercomputer. This device is a stepping stone toward a future AR device that Apple will continue to work on, Hackl told journalists.